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Russia need a win in three sets by 24 points to reach the semi-finals

The Russians beat the Brazilians in the fifth set of a great game yesterday. Two points from that game have given them the chance of reaching the semi-finals. To get there, they need to beat Switzerland in three sets and by 24 points

Even though it was thought this would be almost an exhibition match, that will not be the case. Maybe for Switzerland, but as the hosts, they will want to learn from every game here. After Russia's win against Brazil in five sets, they need to win here in three sets and by 24 points. If that is the case, Russia will reach the semi-finals as the second-placed team in this group and Brazil, the favorites of this tournament, will be eliminated.

The Russians have put themselves into a situation in which they control their own destiny. The came with 7 new players but they played 2 very good games. After losing a five-set thriller against China at the start, they beat Brazil in five sets yesterday. In a great game which lasted for almost two and a half hours, they won the last set by 15-11. They had 2-0 and a match point in the third set, but Brazil came back. Fortunately for Russia, they didn't have enough power and concentration to completely turn things around.

They only thing that could hinder the Russians today is fatigue. They played an excellent game and if they emulate that performance, it's hard to see the Swiss stopping them. Yesterday, they lost the first game of the day in three sets against China. Interestingly enough, it was by 24 points. That is exactly the kind of win that Russia need to go through.

- China are a very strong team and their attack is impressive. We played well in the second set but that won't be enough to win it. Our next game is against Russia. We will study how they played and make a plan to beat them. We will try to do our best - said the Swiss player Van Rooij.

Their wishes are almost certain not to come true. Russia are a couple of levels above Switzerland. Brazil will root for the Swiss to win or lose by 23 points at most. Brazil beat Switzerland on the opening day by 29 points. 

Russia played a great match against Brazil yesterday, and got the chance to decide their placement to the semifinals. The Russians need to win by 24 points today, and I believe they'll get it. They won't lack motive, the Switzerland are a class below. The margin we have for the points total will go over if the Russians celebrate with 24 points difference. This means they have to win with 25, in three sets, of course. I believe that if they go full force from the beginning, fight for every point, they can get what they want. If they fulfill their goal, I believe they won't win the match with exactly 24 points difference. The Swiss won't get much to saay here, I don't think they can deal with Russia. They lost to China here with 24 points difference, and China didn't care about the difference with small points here. They also lost to Brazil who was in the same situation with 29. They recently lost to Poland in the EC qualifications with 28 and 33, and I really don't see why they wouldn't lose to Russia with 25 or more points, when Russia needs to win in three sets with the small 24 points difference.