The United States beat Serbia 3-0 this Friday (6) and guaranteed a place in the final of the volleyball women at the Olympics in Tokyo-2020. With the triumph in the semifinals with partials of 25/19, 25/15 and 25/23, the North Americans are looking for their first gold medal in their fourth Olympic decision.
The United States has won silver in its three previous finals: Los Angeles-1984, against China, and in Beijing-2008 e London-2012, against Brazil. In Barcelona-1992 and on Rio-2016 they got the bronze medal.
The grand final takes place on Sunday (8), 1:30 am (GMT), against the winner of the match between Brazil and South Korea, who play at 9:00 am (GMT) this Friday.
The first set started balanced, but soon Serbia’s dependence on Tijana Bokovic weighed in, and she became an easy target for the Americans’ blockade, leaving with just six points. The main highlight of the winning team was Michelle Bartsch-Hackley, who left with 7 points and was essential for the United States to open 1-0, with a partial of 25 to 19.
Serbia remained lost on the court. The reception of the European team couldn’t control the fast serves of the Americans and at all times delivered check balls and counter-attack passes. Boskovic remained the only player to be fired, but she couldn’t hit attacks, scoring just three points. The end ended with an easy 25-15 for the United States, who increased the lead to 2-0.
The decisive set was just a synthesis of all Serbia’s passivity during the match. The Americans continued to force the serve, scoring very well in the blockade and taking advantage of their opponents’ extreme dependence on Boskovic. Under pressure, she attacked decisive balls out and saw no reaction from her companions. At 25-23, the United States ended 3-0.
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