He is just one match away from winning an Olympic GOLD just like his father!
The Italian Volleywood superstar played an outstanding semifinal match yesterday against Aaron Russell and Team USA.
Zaytsev scored 21 points (16 kills and 5 aces). Three of the 5 aces he scored happened in set 4 when it was tied at 22-22. He aced American libero Erik Shoji twice and scored an ace from a Challenge Call to take the match to a tiebreak.
At the post match press conference, Zaytsev was praised by his coach and teammate.
“Ivan Zaytsev played so well and he showed great character in this match. His service was excellent and he helped us a lot to win this match.” -Coach Blengini
“Zaytsev showed tremendous character in the fourth set when he scored three aces. .” -Team Captain Emanuele Birarelli
In 2014, Zaytsev did the same thing against USA. He unleashed very powerful serves to win the set.
Remember this? Forward to 1:31.
Zaytsev, USA’s worst nightmare and kryptonite that’s for sure!
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