Australia's gold medal hopes dashed by Brazil's strong beach volleyball performance
Australia's hopes for a gold medal in women's volleyball have ended after the world's top team delivered an impressive performance.
Beach volleyballers Mariafe Artacho del Solar and Taliqua Clancy will now compete for the bronze medal following a thrilling tiebreaker loss.
Despite taking an early lead and winning the first set 20-22, the Australians couldn't maintain their momentum. The Brazilians came back strong, winning the next two sets 21-15 and 15-12.
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Taliqua Clancy and Mariafe Artacho del Solar of Team Australia during the semi final match. Getty
The Australian pair grabbed an early lead in the first set, but Brazil's Ana Patricia Silva Ramos and Eduarda Santos Lisboa didn't make it easy.
The scores quickly levelled, with the Australians eventually claiming the set, after benefiting from a few unforced errors by the world's top team.
In the second set Brazil came out much stronger, correcting their earlier mistakes and taking advantage of Australia's errors to win 21-15.
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The tension was high as the match moved into the tiebreaker, where the intensity reached new heights.
Despite the Australians' best efforts, the Brazilian duo proved too strong, coming out on top following a grueling rally that was the highlight of the match.
"I have not seen one better than that ever," Nine commentator Kerri Pottharst said.
Australia will now face Switzerland for the bronze medal, having earlier secured a victory over the Swiss in their previous match.
Brazil will be up against Canada, where they will play for the gold.
