Olympic Medalists Start 2017 World League 1-4

2017 FIVB WORLD LEAGUE

• June 2nd-July 8th, 2017
• Tournament site
• Results

A troubling trend is developing early in the 2017 FIVB World League tournament. Through the first 5 matches played by 2016 Olympic medalists, the combined records stand at just 1-4.

The latest victim are the bronze medalists from the United States, who lost 3-2 to Canada after falling 3-1 to Serbia on Friday. The Olympic champions Brazil also lost their opener on Friday, losing 3-2 to Poland.

Italy was the only of the 3 teams to win their opener – beating Iran in a competitive 3-0 decision on Friday in Pesaro. They, however, turned around to lose to Poland as well in the early match on Saturday 3-1.

Brazil is trying to turn the trend, but are currently tied 1-1 against Iran.

None of the teams will panic yet. With new coaches and new players abound, many teams in the early stages are trying to feel out their young players – for example, Ben Patch hardly played in the Americans’ first match, but was their dominant offensive force in their 2nd. Likewise, all three teams are without many of their stars (no Max Holt, David Lee, or Matt Anderson for the Americans; no Ivan Zaytsev, Emanuele Birarelli, or Osamny Juantorena for Italy; no William Arjona for Brazil).

Below, watch the conclusion of Brazil’s match with Iran. Full recaps of day 2 action will come at the conclusion of the day’s events.