Posted by As I have done a preview of the quarter finals and semi finals, it seems reasonable that I should do one for the final and bronze medal match.
ARGENTINA v BRAZIL – BRONZE MEDAL
In the individual skill elements, Brazil has the edge in most areas except for aces and defence (CAR = counter attack ratio). In terms of expected sideout rate (not reported here) the teams are evenly matched as 3rd and 4th ranked teams, but we know that reception doesn’t matter. However, from the overall team perspective Brazil is clearly superior in both sideout phase (71.1% v 68%) and breakpoint phase (32% v 30.2%). Brazil should be the clear favourite to win. On paper.
Individually, Bruno Lima is the most successful server left in the tournament (4th overall, 11.3% aces) with Ricardo Lucarrelli the second best (6th overall, 9.6% aces). Thales best receiver in the tournament while his counterpart, having a great tournament, Santiago Danani is the 4th best libero in reception and 6th overall. At the net, Lucas is having a great couple of weeks. He is ranked 3rd in individual block %, 7th in opponent attack % and in attack is the best middle still playing and 5th overall. Agusting Loser has led Argentina in this position being 8th in block % and 5th in opponent attack %. In serve, Ricardo Lucarelli is the 2nd best server remaining, and 6th best overall.
Do you want to learn about teaching midde blockers? Would you like a sneak preview into my practice? Do you want to improve you communication skills? Those and other educational modules available here.
FRANCE v RUSSIA – GOLD MEDAL
This match up is very interesting indeed. France is clearly superior in the sideout phase. Russia is clearly superior in the breakpoint phase. Normally sideout % is a greater indicator of success, but Russia have not followed that template. How it plays out will be interesting. France’s relatively weak breakpoint phase could allow the Russian sideout to flourish, while Russia’s block could blunt the France’s potent sideout.
Individual notable performances. Egor Kliuka is 8th best server in terms of aces, while Antoine Brizard’s 9th in this ranking has made a big difference on France’s overall (poor) rate. Trevor Clevenot and Jenia Grebennikov rank 9th and 10th respectively in reception, providing the basis for France’s sideout. The best pair of middles in the tournament is Ivan Iakovlev and Artem Volvich who rank overal 6th and 7th in block percentage and even better at 3rd and 4th in opponent attack percentage. Jean Patry is the best opposite in attack of the four still standing and behind only Bartosz Kurek overall. Earvin NGapeth is the best outside attacker left, and 5th overall. His partner Clevenot ranks 3rd and 8th in those categories.
Do you want to learn about teaching midde blockers? Would you like a sneak preview into my practice? Do you want to improve you communication skills? Those and other educational modules available here.
If you want to peruse the team totals in peace, go ahead 🙂
At Home On The Court 
Let’s see if the team with the best opposite will win again ✌🏻
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