The United States was beaten by Poland in the men’s volleyball semifinals on Wednesday, falling in five sets. Although the loss ruined Team USA’s chances of winning their first gold medal since 2008, the U.S. still has a chance to compete for a bronze medal.
The U.S. lost the first set to Poland 23-25, but took the second 27-25. After a dominant 25-14 third set for the Americans, Poland won the fourth set 25-23 again to force a fourth, and then won 15-13.
Matt Anderson and Aaron Russell, who were both on the United States’ bronze medal-winning team in Rio in 2016, led the U.S. with 24 and 20 points, respectively. Poland’s Wilfredo Leon Venero led his team with 26 points, with the second-leading scorer, Norbert Huber, scoring 15.
Poland, one of the best men’s volleyball teams in the world, last won an Olympic gold medal in 1976, its only Olympic medal to date. Poland is guaranteed a gold or a silver in Saturday’s final, which will be its best result in 50 years regardless of the final score.
Team USA men’s volleyball has had mixed results at the Olympics: Despite winning golds in 1984, 1988 and 2008 — and a pair of bronzes in 1992 and 2016 — the Americans don’t consistently make it this far. Last Olympics, in Tokyo, the team finished in 10th place.
Team USA will now play the loser of France-Italy, who play later on Wednesday, in the bronze medal match on Friday. If they win, they will earn their sixth-ever Olympic medal.
