Olympic Drama: US Women’s Volleyball Team’s Epic Semifinal Showdown

It took every ounce of effort from the American squad to defeat the formidable Brazilian team.

PARIS, France — The reigning Olympic champion U.S. women’s volleyball team, led by Karch Kiraly, will compete for a back-to-back gold medal. Every player contributed tirelessly in an intense match against Brazil.

Fans from Brazil created a vibrant atmosphere at the South Paris Arena, waving flags and chanting loudly. The U.S. team narrowly triumphed in a five-set thriller over Brazil on Thursday. This match served as a gripping rematch of their Tokyo final, where the U.S. dominated.

The Americans are now on the brink of clinching their second consecutive Olympic title. Brazil challenged fiercely, closing the gap to 12-10 in the fifth set. However, the U.S. team emerged victorious with scores of 25-23, 18-25, 25-15, 23-25, 15-11.

When Kathryn Plummer delivered the winning spike, the team celebrated with a massive group hug on the court. They will proceed to the Olympic final on Sunday, while Brazil contends for bronze on Saturday against the loser between top-ranked Italy and No. 3 Turkey.

Brazil has not captured Olympic gold since the London Games 12 years ago. They led 5-3 in the fifth set but the Americans evened the score at 6-all, taking a brief lead on a spike by Jordan Thompson.

Both teams executed remarkable saves, making for breathtaking rallies. One rally in the fifth set lasted more than 30 seconds. The energetic crowd shook the stands with chants of “Bra-zil!” and “Monster Block!” throughout the match.

Ranked second in the world, Brazil now has one last chance to reach the podium. Many of these athletes have competed at the highest levels for over a decade. Brazilian middle blocker Thaísa is 37, and Jordan Larson, a four-time U.S. Olympian, will be 38 in October.

Both teams acknowledge their mutual benefit and contributions to the global growth of volleyball. Nearly three months ago, during Volleyball Nations League play, Brazilian coach Zé Roberto and Karch Kiraly arranged a scrimmage in Rio de Janeiro to prepare for the Paris Olympics. They share a respectful and collaborative relationship.

The training scrimmage took place on July 23, with both teams adjusting their lineups to optimize their preparations. Following a five-set defeat to China in group play on July 29, Kiraly made significant lineup changes, moving veterans Larson and Kelsey Robinson Cook to reserve roles and introducing Avery Skinner and Plummer. This adjustment led to a victory over Serbia.

During the match against Brazil, the Americans built early leads but faced resilient comebacks. Brazil initially led 19-16, but the U.S. team pulled ahead to 21-19 before Brazil tied it at 21-all. Plummer scored crucial points to secure the first set 25-23.

The closely contested match indeed went the distance, demonstrating the fierce competition between the two teams. “It’s going to be two heavyweights going at it,” Kiraly had predicted, and his words rang true.