Russia crush Poland in Olympic men's volleyball

Poland lose to Russia: photo - PAP/Adam Ciereszko

Despite thousands of Poles cheering on their team, Russia cruised through to the last four of the competition, winning 25-17, 25-23, 25-21.

“This was not the team we know. This was not the team of warriors and conquerors,” writes the Przegląd Sportowy sports daily of the 'White and Reds” who had been one of the favourites to win a medal in the competition after winning the World League this summer.

“Our volleyball team could not even win a set from the Russians. Once gain, as in the Olympic Games in Beijing (2008) and Athens (2004), they return home without a medal,” laments Gazeta Wyborcza.

Maxim Mikhaylov and Dmitriy Muserskiy top scored for the Russian side, ranked number two in the tournament.

Fourteen points from Poland's Zbigniew Bartman had little effect in what turned out to be a one-sided match and a disappointing competition for the Poles.

Andrea Anastasi, the Polish national team coach, said after the match: “First of all, I congratulate the Russian team, who played very well, much better than us, and deservedly advanced to the semifinals. I am saddened by my team's game, however.”

The rot set in in the group stage, where a surprise defeat to the Australians meant a tough last eight match against Russia, and, despite being ranked third in the world by the FIVB, Poland failed again at the Olympics.

To rub salt into the wound, Pawel Rakoczy, Igor Janik and Bartosz Osewski Poland's medal hopes in the javelin, all failed to even throw the qualifying distance of 82 metres on Wednesday evening at the Olympic Stadium. (pg)