USA assures spot in gold medal match

(BEIJING, July 27) -- Team USA beat the host of the final round of the World League tournament by 3-0 (25-23, 25-22 and 27-25) in Rio de Janeiro, thus winning a spot in the gold match to be played on Sunday.

The beginning of the first set was a tug-of-war between the two sides. Brazil came up with good blocks, but the USA was better overall in defense. Although the host team led the first TTO, the Americans took control of the match with good serves and efficient spikes, eventually claiming a narrow win at 25-23.

In the second set, despite an early lead by the Brazilians, the USA reached a 7-5 lead, helped by the strong spikes of Clayton Stanley. The score was then increased to 16-13 at the second TTO. Brazilian head coach Bernardo Rezende substituted several players to try to reverse the situation, but it all ended in vain as the Americans took the set 25-22.

The final set proved to be a fierce battle for both sides. Brazil led the first TTO with better defense. Their efficient blocks stopped Stanley's powerful spikes. The Americans responded with good backcourt attack and reversed the score 15-14, later increasing their advantage to 18-14. Although Brazil made great efforts to improve their situation, they were not able to avoid the defeat, 25-27.

"The Americans showed an outstanding defense and good consistency on serving. That was the difference. Some of our players were not at the level they are able to," Rezende told FIVB.