The semi-finals of the men's volleyball tournament at the Tokyo Olympics were held, with Russia and France winning and advancing to the finals. Brazil and Argentina, who lost, will play in the third-place match.
Semi-final results
Brazil vs Russia 1 : 3 (25-18, 21-25, 24-26, 23-25)
The first semi-final was a rematch of the Rio Olympics semi-final, but Russia managed to get revenge on Brazil. In the first set, Brazil, which gained many break opportunities with serve and block, led from start to finish with Leal and Wallace on the offensive, and took the lead without any trouble. In the second set, Russia, on the other hand, did not allow the Brazilian attackers to score with persistent blocks, and Mikhailov and Kliuka scored points to take back the set.
The third set was where the game changed dramatically. Brazil's serve and blocks worked again, and they took the lead from the beginning. Setter Bruno used a variety of attacks to keep the Russian blockers at bay, and at one point they were down by eight points, 20-12. After that, Russia's substitute OH Podlesnik's spikes helped to close the gap, but Brazil held on and made it 23-20. Just when it looked like Russia's comeback was about to end, Podlesnik's serve hit the Brazilian receivers, and they made five consecutive breaks to turn the game around and take it 24-23. Brazil also took it to deuce, but Russia kept the momentum and held on to win the fourth set, 26-24.
In the fourth set, Brazil and Russia continued to compete, with each side chasing or being chased by one or two points. However, it was ace Mikhailov, who had the most points of both teams that day with 22, who saved Russia from a difficult situation. With Brazil leading 21-20, he scored a high set just inside the sideline to turn the tide, and was helped by the opponent's spike mistakes to turn the game around. In the end, Kliuka's light spike pierced the Brazilian court to make it 25-23, and Russia won the set, beating Brazil 3-1.
Kliuka falls after hitting match point and the Russian teammates celebrate
This is Russia's first time in two Olympic Games since the 2012 London Olympics, where they won the gold medal. Brazil has played in the Olympic finals for four consecutive games since the 2004 Athens Olympics, but this record has finally come to an end. It was a match that made us feel like we were entering a new era. Brazil's number one world ranking, which it has held for 18 years, may be in danger.
France vs Argentina 3 : 0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-22)
The second semi-final match was between France and Argentina. Although Argentina had won in full sets in the qualifying round, it was unclear how the next match would turn out, so this match was expected to be long as well. However, in the end, France kept Argentina at bay and won in straight sets.
From the start, France used Brizard, who played a key role in their quarterfinal victory, instead of captain Toniutti as their setter. Meanwhile, Argentina used their usual members. In the first set, neither team gave an inch, with both players using mid-range shots and scoring mainly from opposites Patri and Lima. However, at 21-21, France's relief server, Louati, scored an ace, and then scored consecutive breaks to make it 23-21. Finally, Cineniese shut out Palacios' spike, and France took the first set 25-22.
The second set was also unstoppable for France. Early on, Nugapet scored consecutive counter attacks from Lugov's serve to extend the lead to 6-3. Argentina tried to change the flow of the game by replacing Palacios as outside hitter with the defensively strong Pogrien, and in the middle of the set, replacing Sole as middle blocker with Ramos, but they were unable to break the ball against the powerful wide three players, Patri, Nugapet, and Klebno, and France took the set 25-19.
The third set. With no room for error, Argentina started well with a Sore block shutting down Klebno, but after that, they made a series of spike and serve errors, allowing France to take a 6-2 lead again from the early stages. In the middle of the match, Argentina caught up at 15-15 with another Sore block, but they couldn't get the last hit, and Sore's quick shot was caught by France's Cineniese block, allowing France to regain momentum. In this way, France was very "on" in this match. Their spikes were hitting the ball easily even in the high set, and even when they were close to being caught up, they maintained a positive atmosphere and managed to get through it well. Opposite Patri and the other side players were very decisive in the high set, and they didn't panic even when their serve reception was disrupted. On the other hand, Argentina made many mistakes at key points, and there were many scenes where they ruined the momentum they had gained. Perhaps they were tired, but they seemed the least energetic of the tournament. That's how Argentina was unable to stop France, who had once "gotten on" the ball. In the end, Lima was caught by Cineniese's fourth block of the day, and France won the third set 25-22, 3-0, defeating Argentina and advancing to the finals.
French members explode with joy
For the first time in history, the French national team will advance to the Olympic finals. What color medal will the culmination of nine years of coach Laurent Tilley's efforts bring? Meanwhile, Argentina, who lost, will move on to the third-place deciding match and will be aiming for their first bronze medal in 23 years since the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
The hug between the captains after the game. This made me cry.
Schedule for the final and third place match
Thursday, August 5
3rd Place Match 13:30 Argentina vs Brazil
Final 21:15 France vs Russia
The third place match will be a South American showdown. Brazil beat Argentina in a full set in the qualifiers, but Brazil will step up their game in order to win a medal. The key to that will be whether Argentina can regain the strength they had up until the quarterfinals and perform at their best.
The final will be between France and Russia. France also beat Russia in straight sets in the preliminaries, but who knows what will happen in the final. Both teams have momentum. However, the volleyball styles of the two teams are very different. France plays precise volleyball based on a solid defense, while Russia pushes forward with height and power in serves and blocks. I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of final it will be!
How to watch
Television broadcast
- NHK-BS1 22:35~(recorded)
Webcast
Photo: FIVB
English 
Japanese