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Summary Russia and Poland have earned volleyball berths in the London Olympics.
Russia and Poland earned volleyball berths in the London Olympics on Saturday by guaranteeing they will medal at the World Cup.The third and last qualifying spot from the tournament will be determined on Sunday, the last day, between Brazil and Italy.Russia beat Iran 31-29, 25-21, 25-18 to improve to a tournament-best 9-1. The Russians can win their sixth World Cup, and first since 1999, in a showdown with second-placed Poland on Sunday.We have a big game against Poland tomorrow but I am very happy that we have qualified for the Olympics, Russia coach Vladimir Alekno said.Poland lost to Brazil 18-25, 21-25, 25-18, 25-19, 15-12, but qualified for London by winning the first two sets.Brazil, the two-time defending World Cup champion, has given Russia its only loss.Tomorrows match (against Japan) will be like an Olympic final for us. If we win, we are in for London, Brazil coach Bernardo Rezende said.Brazil leads Italy in the standings on a countback of sets. Italy beat Japan 25-22, 26-24, 25-22, and meets Iran on Sunday.
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