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ROC block their way to leader position in Pool B in Tokyo

Feature

Article Tue, Jul 27 2021

After two days of the men's competition at Tokyo 2020, only four teams remain undefeated in the men's tournament - Iran along with Japan in Pool A and Brazil along with the only European team in this group - ROC [Russian Olympic Committee] in Pool B. In addition, the European side is a current pool leader after two 3-1 victories over Argentina and USA, having one point more in the standings than Brazil. So far, ROC's towering block has been one of their strongest weapons - among all the teams in the men's tournament they are the most successful in this skill (23 stuffs), is it going to be a key to victories also in the next games? On Wednesday in a highly-anticipated rematch of Rio 2016 semifinal they will face Brazil.

Towering triple block by Maxim Mikhaylov, Artem Volvich and Dmitry Volkov (Photo by Volleyball World)

Although, the ROC team came to Tokyo without their giant star 2.18m-tall Dmitriy Muserskiy, they still know how to make a proper block party, and, above all, they managed to visible improve their game in compare to their disposition during the VNL campaign in Rimini only a few weeks ago. At this stage, they are the only team with three players among top 10 blockers at the Olympics - Ivan Iakovlev, Artem Volvich and Dmitry Volkov undoubtedly have strengthed their team's offence with their solid performances in block and they hope to keep the level high also in the upcoming games as they are still to play against Brazil, France and Tunisia. A hard-fought win over the United States on Monday was a boost of confidence for ROC.

"These kinds of victories give confidence - 100%. We achieved this result thanks to our teamwork: we helped each other in all elements. It was a guarantee of success. The US team is among the strongest teams in the world, so it wasn't a surprise that the games turned out to be so difficult. We want to achieve victories like this one in every game" - said setter Pavel Pankov, who was a valuable substitution for Igor Kobzar and in addition served three acess in duel against USA.

Tuomas Sammelvuo's squad, as always possesses a powerful attack headed by Maxim Mikhailov and Dmitry Volkov and can count on Egor Kliuka who shows his strength not only in attack, but is also one of the best receivers (currently 4th). 26-year-old outside hitter who was a member of the Olympic team already during Rio 2016 believes that they can find a way to stop Brazil and take a revenge for their straight-set loss in the Olympic semifinal five years ago.

"Brazil is the reigning Olympic champion. We have a very strong and well-balanced opponent ahead of us. We need the utmost approach and then we can succeed. [..] Our team has a lot of experience. Everyone knows what to do and what actions need to be taken in key moments, so everything depends on us. In Rio, I was a bit overwhelmed by everything around me. I didn't know how to act. Sometimes I played emotionally, but now I am more experienced and I have a totally different approach to the games."

Egor Kliuka
outside hitter of Russia [by volley.ru]
Egor Kliuka doing his best in reception (Photo by Volleyball World)

After unsuccessful Olympic campaign at Rio 2016, when as London 2012 champions they came back home without a medal ending their impressive medal streak that lasted since Sydney 2000, ROC is looking for a chance to bounce back and add another trophy to their spectacular collection. The highly-anticipated matchup between ROC and Brazil is scheduled at 14:45 (CEST) on Wednesday.

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