Volleyball 2020 Tokyo Olympic Review

Men’s Event

Poland were large favourites to come through Pool A comfortably, but were upset in the opening game by Iran before rebounding to beat Italy. Poland and Italy both won four matches, but Poland topped the group. Despite their impressive opening victory, Iran still did not make the knockouts. In Pool B, Russia opened strongest with wins over the United States, Argentina and Brazil. Russia won the pool, causing a shock ahead of Brazil. The United States missed out on qualifying behind Argentina and France. Russia and Brazil both went through in straight sets. Argentina produced an upset against Italy, winning 3-2 with a 15-12 final set victory. Poland disappointed from 2-1 up, losing 15-9 to France in the fifth set. France continued their good run through the tournament, beating Argentina 3-0 in the semi-final. In the final, they came up against Russia who defeated Brazil 3-1. In the bronze medal matchup, Brazil were stunned by Argentina having led 2-1. In the final, France led 2-0, only for Russia to bring it back level, with the momentum on their side. France came back from 6-3 down to win the final set 15-12 to seal their first volleyball medal at the Olympics.

🥇France 🇫🇷

🥈Russia 🇷🇺

🥉Argentina 🇦🇷

Women’s Event

Brazil and Serbia started Pool A strongly, looking like clear favourites to top that group. In Pool B, the United States looked impressive with two 3-0 wins to begin, but Turkey run them close, allowing Italy to take the lead on set difference. Brazil went unbeaten, taking pool A ahead of Serbia. Pool B was won by the United States, with China suffering a surprise early exit and not making the knockout stages. The United States cruised through the quarter-final against the Dominican Republic in straight sets, with South Korea upsetting Turkey. Serbia beat Italy in straight sets. Brazil completed the semi-final lineup, defeating Russia 3-1. It was another straight sets victory for the United States over Serbia, in a dominant performance. They would come up against the other group winner Brazil, who beat South Korea in straight sets. Both the medal matchups were decided in straight sets as well. Serbia beat South Korea to win bronze, whilst United States beat Brazil.

🥇United States 🇺🇸

🥈Brazil 🇧🇷

🥉Serbia 🇷🇸