The US secured a berth in the quarter-finals of the men’s Olympic volleyball tournament by defeating Mexico, while an ecstatic home crowd roared Brazil on to the next round with a 3-1 win over France.
The United States clawed their way back from the brink of elimination in Rio after losing their first two games to Canada and Italy.
They began the turnaround with a 3-1 win over Brazil, beat France by the same score, then defeated Mexico (25-23, 25-11, 25-19) in their last preliminary game to set up a quarter-final against Poland.
Brazil, beaten finalists at the last two Olympics, face sporting arch-rivals Argentina in the quarters. Defending champions Russia play Canada and Italy take on Iran.
Women’s QFs: Netherlands vs S. Korea 3-1; USA vs Japan 3-0.