Beijing, China, August 14, 2008 - Russia recovered from a set down to
stun defending Olympic Men's Volleyball champion Brazil in four sets (22-25,
26-24, 31-29, 25-19) at Capital Gymnasium on Thursday.
The Russians now top Pool B with three wins and are
assured of reaching the next phase of the tournament.
The two-hour thriller featured spirited scoring from both
sides, with Andre NASCIMENTO (BRA) recording a game-high 26 points.
Both teams started the first set without their captains, Giba (BRA) and Vadim KHAMUTTSKIKH (RUS).
Andre's hands were on fire as he blasted seven
kills, one ace and a block to lead the Brazilian attackers.
Murilo ENDRES (BRA) made a good save and was quick on his
feet to block the Russian spike on the opposite side, and Brazil led 22-18.
Brazil then triple-blocked Sergey TETYUKHIN (RUS) to take the first set 25-22.
Russia produced their own late run to win the second set
26-24. Andre (BRA) challenged Russian blockers on his powerful swings but
was blocked on the last attempt to give the second set to Russia.
Gustavo ENDRES (BRA) single-blocked Alexander VOLKOV
(RUS) on the right side to start a 3-0 run in the third set for Brazil. Brazil
had a comfortable lead and even had a couple of set points but the Russians
stayed in the game.
Maxim MIKHAYLOV (RUS) redeemed his previous performance
in the other sets as he relentlessly scored on the right side on the fourth
set. MIKHAYLOV blocked a Dante AMARAL (BRA) swing to end set three at 31-29.
Russia steadied and used their momentum in the fourth
set. The Russian blocks shut out Andre's (BRA) offence. Giba was
even brought in to replace Dante and Anderson RODRIGUES (BRA) for Andre to spark the Brazilian offence but it was too late.