The USA continue their winning run in the Olympic Games Paris 2024 after defeating world no. 10 Germany in five sets to advance to the quarterfinals.
Team USA remain undefeated in the men's indoor volleyball tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 after escaping world no. 10 Germany in five sets, 25-21, 25-17, 17-25, 20-25, 15-11, at the South Paris Arena 1 in France on Tuesday, July 30 (Philippine time).
With two wins already in Pool C, the world no. 6 Americans have secured their position in the quarterfinals, moving one step closer to bringing home the gold medal.
After going up two sets, Team USA suddenly struggled to find their footing in the third and fourth sets, allowing the Germans to force a fifth set.
A close battle ensued in the final frame, with both the USA and Germany not wanting to give an inch. But it was the Americans, led by Aaron Russell’s back-to-back hits, who fired into a five-point lead at 10-5.
The Germans, however, did not let up as they managed to cut the lead to just two points at 11-9 after a massive kill block by Lukas Maase.
A costly service error by Maase restored USA’s lead to three points, before Russell continued his hot streak in the fifth set.
TJ Defalco then connected on a service ace, bringing the Americans to match point. After two straight points by Germany, setter Johannes Tille failed to cross his serve, giving the win to the USA.
Defalco led the way for the United States with 17 points on 14 attacks, two blocks, and one service ace. Russell contributed 16 markers, while Matt Anderson had 14 in the win.
Middle blockers Holt Maxwell and Taylor Averill added 13 and 12 points, respectivel, as well.
Moritz Karlitzek paced Germany with 21 points, while György Grozer and Anton Brehme scored 16 and 14 points in the loss.