Tonight we played Russia for bragging rites of Pool E; it wasn't worth much more since we have both qualified for the medal round with 8 (Russia) and 7 (U.S.) points.

Both teams play with a lot of pride, so it was a great competition despite two very tired teams on the floor. There was a ton of heart displayed despite the fact that this was the sixth match in seven days!

USA played great defense around our block and turned some great points early. In fact, Russia started tipping over our block, which is the greatest compliment our disciplined block could receive! We frustrated the Russians for two and a half sets and then a couple of subs really upgraded their effort in sets 3-5. We learned a lot about Russia and ourselves tonight. So, in a nutshell, this was a good loss? I don't know if I can really say that and mean it, but for sure we gave Russia a scare. They have only dropped one set all tournament and we went up 2-0 . The staff will get busy and find a few more points to help us the next time we play them - for gold! If we can get by Argentina, we play the winner of Serbia and Russia. Fire up!

In a shocker this evening, Brazil lost to India to disqualify them from the medal round. Everyone "gets up" to play the host and Japan, Argentina, and now India surely did just that!

Tomorrow we have a day off so we will make a mandatory team beach walk (the boys are looking pasty) video, rest and fuel up. BTW, the food at the Best Western Rio Copa has been really good. We have steak, chicken and fish every night. The fruit is wonderful. The best banana, papaya, mango and pineapple at every meal! The Hawaiians might disagree (Taylor, Crabb, Christenson and Cassidy) but they also have their mothers here for comfort. Nutella seems to be the island comfort food of choice!

It looks like the Argentina friendly trip will really pay off since we play them Tuesday. The first friendly went to the Americans in five. We have film so the staff will work hard to find a few wrinkles to get another W when it counts! The semi-finals of the World Championship definitely counts!

Boa Noite!

Shawn Patchell
JNT Head of Delegation