Hiroshima, Japan, October 14, 2019 – Garrett Muagututia scored a match-high 16 points as the United States bolstered its chances of winning a medal with a 3-0 (25-23, 25-11, 25-16) at the FIVB Men’s World Cup on Monday.
USA coach John Speraw: I’m pleased with the focus we showed today at the end of a long tournament. The players understood that. We can end up with a medal. I thought Aaron Russell and Garrett Muagututia played well. Erik Shoji has had a good tournament also.
USA captain Micah Christenson: Russia is a big rival for us. This is an important game. We are happy with the result. It was a difficult first set. We played better in the second and third sets. I’m proud of the way we played point-by-point.
USA player Maxwell Holt: Russia is a strong team and played well. They have good service and are a physical team. We played steady and stole the first set at the end. Aaron Russell and Garrett Muagututia played well for us. I trust my serve at the end of sets and try to keep a good rhythm and be confident. I rely on my preparation and routine."
Russia coach Tuomas Savvelvuo: "They played good in service, reception and passing, especially after the first set. We could not stop them. We had chances but did not use them. The will to put everything out there after 10 games become difficult. These are great games to play and learn."
Russia captain Sergey Grankin: "It is difficult to put into words. The USA service was good. We could not receive well and could not attack in the way we wanted as a result of that."