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Russia playing against entire Poland

Russia's disastrous performance against Brazil could be very costly. They need three points today as every other result would put Poland and Brazil through

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Two days ago, Poland got a major triumph against Brazil. It was a hard battle which came down to the smallest of details and the Poles, carried by their fans, won every crucial point. As usual, the hosts started the match very nervously and let Brazil take the lead in the first couple of points. They pulled together in the middle of the set and got the lead after a 6-1 run and then maintained that lead until the end. Brazil fought back in the second and the third set and latter was particularly painful for the Polish fans as their team got only 14 points.

At the start of the fourth set, they huddled up and went in for another attack that gave them a point. They carried their momentum into the tie-break which they opened with 7-2, but things didn't go smoothly from then on. The end-game was an exact replica of the game between Poland and Iran. Poland gave their opponents two match points, saved both and ended up winning the match (17-15).

- I'm happy with the win and very proud of the performance we put up. Every player, including the replacements, played a major role in this win. We have to be aware that we still haven't reached the semifinals. Because of that, we will be watching tomorrow's game very carefully (Russia - Brazil) - said Stephane Antiga after the win.

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Mariusz Wlazly was the Polish hero with 31 points, some of which were crucial in the final stages of the match. After five sets, his attacking efficiency was over 63%, which is almost surreal. Apart from him, blocker Karol Klos had a good match with 13 points (7 blocks), which was also the input from receiver Mateuscz Mika.

Captain Winiarski started the match despite his injury but he only played the first set.

- We believed we could beat Brazil from the start. We've shown everyone we fight until the end and that's why I'm very proud of my team - commented Winiarski and then reflected on his health situation:

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- I really wanted to play tonight. A lot went through my mind as I was unable to play two days ago due to pain in my back. The situation is getting better ever day and our medical team's doing a great job. I hope the recovery will be swift.

A disaster - that's the best description for Russia's performance in Lodz last night. The players and the coach share the blame for that as Russia hasn't been so clueless and poor in a while. Absolutely no one earned a passing grade and Andrey Voronkov will have plenty of worries on his mind. It was clear from the start things would be difficult; the serve didn't work, they missed everything in series and they were constantly late in the block, which made their defense virtually non-existent. After all, 4 blocks and 2 aces in 3 sets says everything.

Their attacking figures weren't too poor but they still didn't do quite well as the Brazilians were onto every attack they had and this only discouraged the Russians. Ilynikh and Spiridonov were terrible in reception and defense and the question is why Savin got no playing time. The same goes for their middle blocker Apalikov who was almost invisible, while Volvich came in too late. Everything worked into their favor before yesterday's game and the situation has changed dramatically. Apart from the imperative of winning this match, they will be under pressure from 15,000 Polish fans, and the tensions have been increased in last few days over some historic events between these two great nations.