Poland led by Leon stun Italy in all-European clash in Tokyo, ROC and France also victorious
Recap
After one day of rest, action resumed in the men's tournament at Tokyo 2020 on Monday. All-European clash between Poland and Italy was a highlight of the day for the European fans. Two-time reigning world champions are back on track, recording a straight-set victory over the Italians and fully recovering after their opening loss. Earlier on Monday, ROC [Russian Olympic Committee] gained their second win defeating, after an intense battle, the Rio 2016 bronze medallists - the USA. ROC is one of only four still unbeaten teams in Tokyo next to Brazil, Japan and Iran. Also France have some reasons to celebrate, despite an upsetting start of their Olympic campaign on Saturday, they bounced back quickly earning a straight-set win over Tunisia.
USA vs ROC 1-3 (23-25, 23-27, 25-21, 23-25)
The ROC was the first European team to enter the court in Ariake Arena on Monday, facing their longtime rival the USA in Pool B. Both sides were extremely eager to fight, thus they delivered an intensive and high-level battle. The ROC won the first two - very tight - sets with Dmitry Volkov being their leader. Then, USA started to make up these losses winning the fourth and being close to go to fifth set, however the team under guidance of Tuomas Sammelvuo managed to stop the Americans with great efforts of Maxim Mikhaylov and Egor Kliuka, showing their team's strength in the decisive part of the fourth part. Dmitry Volkov was the best scorer of the ROC with 16 points, two less tallied Kliuka, but the honour of top scorer of the match went to USA's Taylor Sander (17). The ROC remain unbeaten with two wins and six points. In their next encounter, on Wednesday, ROC will clash with Rio 2016 champions - Brazil.
Egor Kliuka"It was a tough game, but I am happy that we fought and won. There will be no easy matches. I am glad that we are determined to fight. There is always some nervousness, but we all have gone through so many tight endings that we know how to overcome it. I think that every match is crucial here."
Outside hitter of Russia [by volley.ru]
Poland vs Italy 3-0 (25-20, 26-24, 25-20)
The two-time world champions, Poland, were motivated to banish memories from their opening defeat and earned an emphatic win over Italy in the all-European derby. Vital Heynen's squad was dominant in all the components, but the serve made the biggest difference with 8 aces on their side and it was not only Leon's effort as 'only' three aces were to his name. Although Poland still have some room for improvement ahead of the next games, they visibly proved too strong for Italy, who, however, had their chances in the second set. The White-and-Reds' stars Leon and Bartosz Kurek headed the Polish offence scoring impressive 18 and 14 points, respectively, once on the Italian side Juantorena and Michieletto tallied only 9 points apiece. Italy's play was led by Riccardo Sbertoli, as Simone Giannelli took a rest as a precaution due to muscle [femoral quadriceps] strain that he suffered in their previous match. Now, both Poland and Italy have 1W-1L record in Pool A with four and two points to their name, respectively. On Wednesday, Poland will take on Venezuela, once Italy will face the hosts - Japan.
Wilfredo Leon"We know what we can do and we know that there is still a big room for improvement. We lost against Iran, but on the other hand we learnt that in the decisive parts we have to play better. And we did it today. Today we played endings of the sets very well, strong and solid. We will continue to play like this."
outside hitter of Poland [by pzps.pl]
Ivan Zaytsev"The thing that did not work is that we did not know how to take advantage of the few opportunities that a great team like Poland had given us. I think here about a half of the first set, as well as the decisive part of the second when we could use several counterattacks better. We have to care more about the details, especially against the teams of this level. "
team captain of Italy [by federvolley.it]
France vs Tunisia 3-0 (25-21, 25-11, 25-21)
In their second Olympic encounter, France faced a less challenging rival than in the opener - Tunisia. Les Bleus quickly overpowered their African opponent to earn their first win in Tokyo, confidently controlling the situation on the court during most of the game. Antoine Brizard, who was in charge of playmaking in this match, could count on all French spikers to lead a well-balanced game. This efforts resulted in four French players with two-digit number - Trevor Clevenot and Jean Patry shared the top scorer honours with 12 points apiece, once Earvin Ngapeth and Barthelemy Chinenyeze tallied one point less. Their next rival in Pool B will be Argentina.
Trevor Clevenot"We were under pressure after losing the first match, so we had to absolutely win against Tunisia. We came back on the court with a new spirit, with a smile and with more joy and it was a key to this game. We have to continue this way, playing our game. It was important to stay alive, but we have to quickly focus on the game against Argentina, because it will be like a final game for us."
outside hitter of France [by ffvb.org]