The Athens Games men's volleyball final is expected to be repeated four years later in Beijing, when the world's No.1 Brazil takes on Italy in the semifinals on Friday.
The two volleyball titans set up the clash after Brazil trounced the host China in straight sets on Wednesday night, while Italy edged out Poland after a five-set tussle. Russia and the United State will meet in another semifinal.
Host China, who made a breakthrough to enter the final eight, failed to present more surprise to the enthusiastic home fans after losing the "fight for honor" to defending champion 25-17, 25-15, 25-16. But their supporters might get comfort with their historic fifth place at the Olympic Games.
China's only other Olympic show was in 1984 when they went to the Los Angeles and came back home as the 8th finisher.
"I'm satisfied with the performance of the Chinese players throughout the tournament. They do have ups and downs, which proves they are still fledging, but I believe they gained lots of confidence and experience from the Games, which will help them go further," said China's head coach Zhou Jian'an.
The Brazilians, who are no strangers to the Italians, prepared for a tough match ahead.
"They are very dangerous, there are many experienced players in the team. The majority of us used to play or play currently in the Italian league so it will be a very difficult match," said Brazilian wing spiker Andre Heller.
"Italy is very good at serving and blocking. To play against them we need to show some patience and to be confident in our attack," said another player Gustavo Endres.
Earlier in the afternoon, Italy held off Poland 25-19, 25-22, 18-25, 26-28 and 17-15. Plucky Poland fought back from two sets down and 15-15 in the fifth set, saving five match points on the way, before losing in the end.
"I just think adjusting ourselves and staying in peak condition are more important than any improvement right now. Brazil is one of the most comprehensive teams in the world and we must focus on beating them," said Italy head coach Andrea Anastasi.
In the first match of the day, the World's No. 2 Russia came back from a set down to beat Bulgaria 20-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-21 with its famous mighty spikes and solid blocking.
Bulgaria head coach Martin Stoev were satisfied with the players' performances, but were sad about the result.
"At the end of each set the Russians were playing better than us. But I will still thank all my players for their efforts in the Olympic Games and for fighting to the very end," he said.
The United States secured the last semifinal berth after outlasting Serbia in a pulsating five-set thriller. In the replay of the World League final, the Americans proved a cut above the Serbians at the critical points to win the match.
"This was a battle. When Serbia had momentum, we managed to show composure to control that momentum. To beat them today was a wonderful achievement, although we won't get to enjoy it more because we have to focus on the next matches," said the US head coach Hugh McCutcheon.
The US players showed confidence to their tough opponent on their way to the final.
"We have to keep on the rise. We are passing well and we have the personnel, we just need to play our Volleyball," said the key US scorer William Priddy.
(Xinhua News Agency August 21, 2008)