Brazil celebrate their straight-set win over Russia in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games semifinal
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 19, 2016 – Brazil defeated Russia 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-17) in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games men’s volleyball semifinals at Maracanazinho on Friday.
This match-up is a replay of the Olympic final at London 2012, where the Brazilians lost the tie-breaker to the Russians. The Brazilians finally redeemed themselves and get another chance to win gold against Italy on Sunday, August 21.
Brazil have previously been in the Olympic finals five times. They have won the gold twice at Barcelona 1992 and Athens 2004.
Wallace De Souza led Brazil with 18 points, including 13 attacks, four blocks and an ace. Ricardo Lucarelli reinforced the Brazilian offence, as he contributed 10 points.
Maxim Mikhaylov steered the Russian offence with 16 points, then Egor Kliuka added 10 markers on a losing effort.
Both sides fared well on each scoring skill set, but the Russians suffered from their 25 errors in the match, while Brazil limited their errors to 10.
Brazil and Russia were subjected to a tight contest at the start of the first set, but the former recovered from the scuffle to gain a two-point lead at 16-14. The hosts raised their intensity with Wallace on the forefront of their offence and defence. The Brazilian opposite boosted the Brazilian attack to extend the lead to 21-16. Russia threatened with a comeback, but Lucas Saatkamp and Lucarelli gave Brazil the set victory 25-21.
Wallace led Brazil, while Mikhaylov steered Brazil in the second set. The set started with another close score but Brazil benefitted from Russia’s series of errors and took the lead 19-17. Brazil kept their slim edge over the Europeans, until Wallace’s spike touched the block to end the second set 25-20.
Brazil opened the third set with a 5-1 lead, then Russia managed to deadlock with the hosts several times until the score of 10-all. Luiz Felipe Fonteles’ spike gave Brazil the lead and his team never looked back as Wallace, Lucarelli and Lucas powered the strong run to reach 23-16. Mikhaylov scored on an attack, but also committed an error that put Brazil at match point 24-17. Wallace delivered the final blow with a spike from the right flank to gain set and match victory 25-17.
Quick links - Men's Semifinals - Friday, August 19:
Quick links - Women's Finals - Saturday, August 20: