Volleyball: Incredible comeback from Russia snatches gold from Brazil at Earls Court

Russia 3 Brazil 2 (19-25, 20-25, 29-27, 25-22, 15-9)

Russia became the first team in the history of men's Olympic volleyball to win the final from two sets down as they stunned Brazil at Earls Court this afternoon.

For the best part of three sets the Europeans looked a shadow of the side which had demolished Bulgaria in the semis, lumbering around the court as Brazil picked points at will.

So easy was their march to victory that at 2-0 and 22-19 they sent on retiring captain Giba - a virtual spectator in London due to injury - to allow him the privilege of being in court when the medal was won.

That proved to be the worst move they could have made as Russia, clearly furious about such a display of disrespect, embarked on one of the most staggering comebacks the sport has seen to wrap up a fourth Olympic volleyball title.