The victory over the USA is very important in three aspects at once.
Tournament position
We almost guaranteed ourselves a place in the playoffs. In two days we will understand, as far as we can claim the championship in the group, giving the right to play with the fourth team in a parallel six. But such a tournament mix is planned there., that guessing and gaining is pointless: the same Italy can land on the fourth line and very few people will want it to compete in the quarterfinals. Well, taking into account the draw of pairs, who occupied 2-3 seats, all these layouts generally lose their meaning. Therefore - we are in the playoffs, and the remaining games should be devoted to that, to approach the knockout games in optimal condition.
Confidence
Victory, when you are not doing everything on the court, but at the same time it is possible to beat such a difficult opponent, provides a powerful vaccine of self-confidence, what's important. Before the Olympics, they even talked about medals in passing., breakwater, it is good to, but not a fact. Now this goal is taking on visible outlines - above all, in the eyes of the players themselves. The main thing now is to pass between the Scylla of self-confidence and the Charybdis of jitters from looming prospects. With this, it seems, everything will be all right - still the mood within the team (and this can be seen from the broadcasts) very correct.
Game aspects
Good, when in such combat conditions it turns out to check the backup options. The exit of Pankov and Poletaev is difficult to assess unambiguously, but in any case, their appearance, albeit forced, but protracted - in a team plus. The guys felt the pulse of the game, helped by submitting, and even if the same Pankov did not do everything with direct responsibilities, and Poletaev received less load in the attack - the very fact of scrolling the formation is important. It's like the lubrication of the command mechanism. G, I will note separately, moral relief of the same Kobzar with Mikhailov - they are not alone.
Resume: while in the group of death the Russian national team chooses life.
Photo volleyballworld.com
