BEIJING (AP)—Russia won its second straight Olympic bronze medal in men’s volleyball Sunday, a straight-set victory over Italy that fell short of the team’s hopes for gold.
The methodical 25-22, 25-19, 25-23 victory brought a muted celebration.
“We can say it’s not for nothing that we have come to the Olympics,” captain Vadim Khamuttskikh said. “Of course, we had greater plans than this. But we have received the bronze medal and we also hope in the future our performance will improve further.”
Russia was ranked No. 2 in the world behind Brazil going into the games. The defending champion Brazilians were to play the undefeated United States for the gold medal later Sunday.
Russia lost to the United States in a five-set semifinal. Italy, the silver medalists in Athens, was defeated by Brazil 3-1 in the other semi.
The Italians were emotional and several times tried to argue the referee’s calls. The Russians were altogether different.
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