Serbia stunned the world’s top-ranked team, the United States, on Thursday, eliminating them from the tournament in a dramatic five-set match. The U.S. suffered a major setback after losing their key player, Foluke Akinradewo, to a leg injury in the first set.
Serbia, competing for Olympic medals for the first time, triumphed 20-25, 25-17, 25-21, 16-25, 15-13. They will now face China in the final, after the Chinese team secured their spot with a 3-1 victory over the Netherlands.
The match against the U.S. was a rollercoaster. The Americans took the first set, but Serbia quickly found their rhythm, led by powerful spiker Brankica Mihajlovic. The momentum shifted when Akinradewo, the U.S.’s top-scoring middle blocker, was forced to leave the game due to a knee injury. Despite the setback, the U.S. fought back to win the fourth set and had a lead in the deciding fifth set before Serbia surged ahead to claim victory.
U.S. coach Karch Kiraly admitted that while his team fought hard, Serbia made crucial plays in the final moments. “This loss is deeply disappointing. It cuts deep,” he said.
The U.S., favorites to win their first-ever gold medal in women’s volleyball, had previously taken silver in the last two Olympics and won the 2014 World Championship. However, they were eliminated by Serbia in a heart-breaking loss.
U.S. captain Christa Dietzen expressed the team’s sadness, especially in light of Akinradewo’s injury. “We are going after the bronze, that’s our goal now,” Dietzen said, fighting back tears. Kiraly confirmed that Akinradewo was in significant pain and could not continue, though the details of her injury were not specified.
In the other semifinal, China battled past the Netherlands in a thrilling match, winning 27-25, 23-25, 29-27, 25-23. China will now face Serbia in the final, where the Serbians will look to avenge their loss to the Chinese in the preliminary round.
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