USA coach John Speraw with former coach and USA Volleyball CEO Doug Beal after the victory over Poland
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 17, 2016 – The United States advanced to the semifinals of the men’s volleyball tournament at Rio 2016 Olympic Games after a convincing victory over Poland based mainly on their effective serves.
Opponent player Michal Kubiak commended the winners saying they have the talent and experience to win the gold medal.
John Speraw, Coach of United States: Winning 3-0 against Poland, as good as they are, is really remarkable. Our serves gave us a lot of scoring opportunities and we battle with energy. Now we are set to play for one medal in Rio.
David Lee, Captain of United States: It was a surprise to us to win the way we did today against such strong team as Poland. We won the match from the service line giving Poland few opportunities of get their offence going. That was the key for us. The guys kept bombing serve after serve and I hope to continue this way.
Aaron Russell, Player of United States: It is a great feeling to move into the semifinal but there is still ways to go. We still don’t know who will be the opponent in the semifinals but won’t be easy. We can always improve but I am happy where we are now. I did well today because my teammates supported me.
Stephane Antiga, Coach of Poland: It is a painful defeat for all of us. They were better than us and the services were the difference. They were more efficient than us. They are an experienced team and played good blocking defence.
Michal Kubiak, Captain of Poland: They played better than us. We wanted to go to the semifinals but couldn’t make it. Good luck to USA in the semifinals and beyond that. They are an experienced team good enough to win it all.