Vyacheslav Krasilnikov and Oleg Stoyanovsky had every right to be considered one of the main favorites of the Olympic tournament in Tokyo. But in the semifinals, the current world champions were opposed by the leaders of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Sheriff Yunuss - Ahmed Tizhan, extremely uncomfortable opponents. In 2021, the Russians met twice with representatives of Qatar and lost both times. At first, they did not cope with them in the first competition in Mexican Cancun (1: 2), and then in the semifinals in the Swiss Gstaad (0: 2).
In the opening, it immediately became clear that this time, too, the Russians did not expect an easy walk. Not the most outstanding in terms of anthropometry, Yunuss and Tizhan (195 and 187 centimeters, respectively) looked more than competitive not only in defense, but also on the block. They were especially good at attacks with the first tempo, which the Sheriff masterfully completed. In the first game alone, he scored ten points - two more than the top scorer of the domestic duo at the Krasilnikov tournament.
In many ways, it was Yunuss's confident play that helped the Qatari duo keep up with the Russians at the beginning of the game, and subsequently not only level the playing field, but also come out ahead. The pair approached the decisive segment on a par - 18:18, but in the end Stoyanovsky said his weighty word. Up to this point, his stats were not the most impressive: two accurate hits from the field, one ace and one error when serving. But the last three points he chalked up and decided the outcome of the set. At first, Oleg played great on the block, and then twice hammered the ball into the sand through the Sheriff.
The second game, as expected, stood out against the background of the first in terms of emotions, but it cannot be called more intense.
It proceeded according to approximately one scenario: the Russians provided themselves with a comfortable advantage of two or three points, the Qataris rushed in pursuit and achieved local success, but subsequently again allowed their opponents to break away.
The number of "challenges" has increased dramatically.
If in the starting set the video replay was requested only once, then in the second - three times at once, and everything was successful.
Twice the referee's mistake was corrected by the Africans - first they noticed Stoyanovsky's touch on the block, and then - the ball hitting the line after Yunuss hit.
And it is worth noting that in the second episode they did not in vain decided on such a step.
Otherwise, domestic beachgoers could create a comfortable gap for themselves - 10: 6.
The fate of the game, which was rapidly rolling towards the end, was decided by two rallies with a score of 17:16 in favor of the Russians, and in two episodes Yunuss became a kind of anti-hero.
First, he shot out-of-bounds, and then touched the net, which did not leave the referee unnoticed.
Krasilnikov and Stoyanovskiy took the lead with a difference of three points, and in the end Oleg took over the role of the leader again.
A sweeping diagonal attack and successful block play ensured the victory and helped the pair become the first Russians to reach the Beach Volleyball Games medals - 21:19, 21:17.
“We have dreamed about this ever since we started playing beach volleyball.
The final of the Olympics is ahead - it's incredible, we are one of the strongest teams in the world, which we have already proved here.
This is history for Russian volleyball, we have made history, "Stoyanovskiy TASS quotes.
According to his partner, at the start of the Olympic tournament, it was difficult for them mentally, but closer to the final they managed to cope with all the problems.
“The most difficult thing is psychology, to cope with thoughts and emotions while playing.
If you learn to fight, you can achieve great victories.
The main thing is that we coped psychologically.
Only relatives and friends know which way I have gone, but one more step is needed.
We will do our best to mine gold.
For me personally, being here and reaching the final is already a victory, ”Krasilnikov said.
A pair from Norway Anders Berntsen Mol and Kristian Sandli Serum, who in the semifinals quite easily dealt with the Latvians Martins Plavins and Edgars Tocs, will try to prevent them from winning the gold of the Games in Tokyo.
The Scandinavians also had enough two sets to win a ticket to the decisive round of the competition, but the score turned out to be even larger - 21:15, 21:16.
At the same time, a phenomenal performance was demonstrated by Maul, who chalked up 20 points, half of which was immediately obtained on the block.
“The Norwegians have been one of the strongest in the world over the past two or three years.
They proved their right to be in the final.
I think it will be a great match.
We do not have enough of our coaches, doctors, families.
But we are constantly in touch, "- quotes Stoyanovskiy" Sport-Express ".