The Netherlands hope to see some more celebration on Monday against USA like this with Celeste Plak carrying Laura Dijkema after the Dutch stunned China on the opening day of Rio 2016.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, August 7, 2016 - Women's pool play at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games heats up on Monday, as all 12 teams see action in their second matches of the tournament, for another volleyball marathon beginning at 09:30 and extending past midnight.
The day couldn't kick off in a more dramatic fashion, as China and Italy clash for Pool B with both desperately needing to bounce back after their opening day defeats in the hands of The Netherlands and Serbia respectively. Whoever loses this game will find themselves in a very precarious situation in the race for a ticket to the quarterfinals.
Pool B also sees reigning world champions USA looking at extending their winning streak to two when they take on The Netherlands -though the European side will be riding on the momentum of their stunning opening day win over China in five sets.
USA will need to show the same passion displayed here by libero Kayla Banwarth on Saturday, when they clash with The Netherlands on Monday.Serbia could also join either USA or The Netherlands as the only undefeated sides in Pool B, when they take on outsiders Puerto Rico looking to repeat their success of Saturday over Italy.
In Pool A, Japan will have to pull together after going down in four to Korea on Saturday. The London 2012 bronze medallists take on newcomers to the Olympics Cameroon -but the African side, despite going down in straight sets to hosts Brazil on the opening day, showed remarkable courage and proved they're up to a challenge.
Russia v Korea will follow and with both teams on a 1-0 record a second win would go a long way towards closing in on that coveted quarterfinals berth.
Sheilla Castro and Fabiana Claudino on the block as they stop Cameroon -but need to do it again against Argentina.Brazil close the day at the iconic Maracanazinho, starting at 22:35 against arch rivals Argentina in front of another sellout crowd. Brazil are well expected to register back-to-back wins (after downing Cameroon on Saturday) -though coach Jose Roberto 'Ze Roberto' Guimaraes did point out "I have seen strong teams defeated by teams not that strong."
The top four teams of each pool qualify to the quarterfinals of the Olympic tournament.
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