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Men's Volleyball Final Preview: Dominant Brazil may finally crumble

South Americans look shaky and US are primed to pull off an upset, says Andrew Hughes.

After yesterday's women's final, here is a chance for Brazil to do the double over the same opponents as they take on the USA in today's men's final. The South Americans are clear favourites for gold at [1.42]. But frankly, based on what we have seen so far, those odds are hard to fathom and I could only oppose the Brazilians at such cramped prices.

Indeed, there is every sign that the glittering era of Brazilian dominance in the men's game may be coming to an end. Whilst it is true that they had the tougher preliminary group, they still did not convince. Stylish wins over the likes of Poland were interspersed with below par performances, such as their 3-1 mauling by old enemies Russia. Their comfortable disposal of an ordinary China and fading Italy in the knock out stages simply papered over the cracks.

The USA meanwhile came through their group matches unscathed and in the knockout stages, showed their fighting qualities in two bruising encounters. First, they came back from the dead against Serbia, overhauling a 2-0 deficit. They then held off the resurgent Russians in an epic semi-final.

So where is gold likely to be won or lost? Essentially, these are two fairly closely matched teams, with differing strengths. Brazil's game is based around teamwork. They cover the court well in defence and rely on Elgarten's creativity in setting up complex and lightning fast combination plays for the likes of Godoy Filho and Heller to put away.

By contrast, the USA are relatively poor in defence. Their strength lies in their powerful hitting and serving, with the awesome Clayton Stanley on the right, Priddy on the left and David Lee in the centre. They are held together by the experience of setter Lloy Ball, in his fourth Olympics and by a never-say-die spirit. In essence, this will be all about Brazilian touch versus American brute force.

But there is a final ingredient that cannot be left out of the mix. The USA have twice beaten the previously untouchable South Americans in the last 12 months, once in the World Cup and more damagingly to the Brazilian psyche, in front of their own fans in Rio in the semi-final of the World League last month.

The Americans are a team on the up, with no fear and the edge in strength and stamina. Just the kind of outfit able to finally tear down the crumbling edifice of Brazilian dominance. At [3.05] they are a stand out bet.