Russia earns their first gold medal since 1980 with a come-from-behind five-set victory over Brazil on Sunday in the Olympic volleyball final.
The old Soviet Union was a powerhouse in Olympic volleyball when it first became an Olympic event, but this is the first gold medal for Russia in either men's or women's indoor volleyball.
Brazil grabbed the first two sets, 25-19, 25-20, before Russia stormed back. In an epic 34-minute third set, Russia came out on top, 29-27. They then captured the third set 25-22, before being able to dispatch Brazil in a 15-9 fifth set for a tiebreaker that sent their opponents packing in just 17 minutes.
The win gives the Russians four gold medals in volleyball, most of any nation.
Brazil cruised through the first two sets, winning the first three points of the match and rarely surrendering the lead thanks to some inventive play that outfoxed a powerful and physically-imposing Russian team.
The best of five sets match looked to be heading towards an early conclusion but when Brazil squandered two gold-medal points a fired-up Russian side roared back into the game.
Brazil was going for the sweep, trying to grab the gold medal in both women's and men's volleyball, but were unable to hold off a late surge by Russia and had to settle for the silver.
