OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Mikhaylov delighted at Russian turnaround

By Sportsbeat staff, London 2012

RUSSIA'S triumphant Maxim Mikhaylov was ecstatic as his side came from two sets behind to beat Brazil and claim gold at London 2012.

Brazil took a two-set lead and looked on course to win gold before Russia's turnaround.

And Mikhaylov pointed towards a tactical change from coach Vladimir Alekno as being the catalyst, but complained of some less than helpful refereeing.

DELIGHT: Mikhaylov praised his team's fight as they came from behind to beat Brazil and claim gold at London 2012

"The first set was difficult psychologically - it wasn't happening," he said.

We had to get ourselves together and sort it out. The main thing was confidence - from the first two sets, we were hanging our heads in shame.

"It's incredible. We could not have dreamed of winning the match after losing the first two sets. Personally, I did really bad in the first two sets - I was angry about myself.

"The coach changed the game completely by moving Dmitriy Muserskiy to the hitter position."

"We had heard this judge makes mistakes. If they are judging like that, then evidently yes, he wanted Brazil to win."

Meanwhile, in the bronze medal match, Italy beat Bulgaria 3-1.

© Sportsbeat 2012