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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Russia advanced to the semifinals as they overpowered Canada 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-18) in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games men's volleyball quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Russia are in a good position to claim their second straight Olympic gold medal in Rio 2016, but they have to face host Brazil.
Brazil booked anther semifinals berth by defeating Argentina 3-1 (25-22, 17-25, 25-19, 25-23). In London 2012, Russia made an incredible comeback against Brazil in the tie-break set.
Italy gained their seventh entry to the Olympic semifinals, following their 3-0 (31-29, 25-19, 25-17) victory over Iran. They have been in the Olympic semifinals for six times and have won a total of five medals, including two silvers and three bronze medals.
During this match, Italy's Ivan Zaytsev had a service clocked at 127 kilometers per hour, tying the Olympic serving speed record.
Italy will face the United States in the semifinals. The Americans triumphed over Poland 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-20) on Wednesday.
The United States improved on their London 2012 finish of joint-fifth.
