.A game three victory would seal Queenslands fifth series whitewash | Forum

RIO DE JANEIRO -- The fans chant their names, wave their flags and do a little samba in their seats whenever the Brazilians take the sand at the Copacabana Olympic beach volleyball venue. Throwback Steelers Jerseys .If its a lot of pressure for the hometown teams, theyre handling it well.All four Brazilian teams advanced out of pool play at the Olympic tournament, and three won their first matches of the knockout round on Friday and Saturday. After a disappointing fourth-place finish as hosts of the soccer World Cup in 2014, Brazils other national sport has thrived on its hometown sand.It is not a pressure for us, said Barbara, a Rio native, who with her partner Agatha beat China on Friday to reach the quarterfinals. We are living the dream now. Inside our hearts is joy.Beach volleyball is a passion in Brazil, as much a recreational sport on the Copacabana shore as soccer or surfing or sunbathing. And that has led to Olympic success, with the country winning 11 of 30 total medals since the sport was added to the Summer Games in 1996.So dominant were the Brazilians -- and Americans, who have claimed nine medals -- that quotas were created to limit each country to two entries (per gender) in the Olympics.And when Rio de Janeiro won the rights to host the 2016 Olympics, it was only natural that the beach volleyball venue would be on Copacabana.I fell so lucky, so honored, as a first-time Olympian to be here in my home, Barbara said. I am so proud to be a part of this Olympic year at home.The fans appear to enjoy it, too.With green and yellow shirts filling the stands and Brazilian music wafting over the security barriers onto Copacabana beach beyond, the Olympic venue has been shaking at times with the cheers for the four hometown teams.Agatha and Barbara were the first to reach the quarterfinals, followed later on Friday by the defending world champions Talita and Larissa. Alison and Bruno reached the round of 8 by beating Spain on Saturday, and the party was only slightly spoiled when the No. 2 mens team, Pedro and Evandro, lost to Russia.Still, the crowd gave the Brazilians a standing ovation on their way off the court, though part of the crowd was certainly acknowledging the 21-16, 14-21, 15-10 victory by Russia as well.Here on Copacabana, they know how to play, Russias Nikita Liamin said. They know the good play, and they know how it is done.Two-time Olympian Ana Paula, who is working with the stadium entertainment crew in Rio, agreed. At one break in the match, she introduced American Randy Stoklos, a five-time world champion and volleyball hall of famer who played before the sport was added to the Olympics.We might have built this stadium, but the Brazilians really made this sport, he said to a huge cheer.All of the Brazilians knew who he was, Ana Paula said. Its because Brazil really, really loves beach volleyball. Its because volleyball -- its been in our DNA.Ana Paula said she thinks volleyball and beach volleyball have even surpassed soccer in her homeland -- in part because of the soccer teams much-lamented 7-1 loss in the World Cup semifinals. We dont talk about the World Cup, she said with a smile.By contrast, the beach volleyball players seem to be thriving under pressure.I dont think we are going to see anything like that in volleyball, said Bruno, whose uncle Oscar Schmidt is a basketball Hall of Famer and one of Brazils most celebrated athletes. The crowd is so happy, so full of happy people.And thats been a boost for all of the players -- even Brazils opponents.Spains Elsa Baquerizo and Liliana Fernandez said they were excited when the pools were drawn and they knew they would be playing Agatha and Barbara.At the beginning, I felt like, `Oh, my God. The whole stadium is going to fall down on me, Liliana said after beating the Brazilians. But we wanted to play them on Copacabana.The Spaniards had already clinched a spot in the knockout round, so they didnt feel the full pressure of 12,000 fans rooting against them.When Germanys Britta Buthe and Karla Borger drew defending world champions Talita and Larissa in the playoff round of 16, their coaches tried to cheer them up.Everyone was saying, `Oh, its such a tough draw for you guys. But we were really excited, Buthe said after the Brazilians eliminated them in straight sets.We would have liked it if we would have played for it and won. We werent able to experience it, she said. But still I think this is one of our best memories, even if it did end. Camo Steelers Jerseys . Here are his mid-season NBA awards. MVP: (KEVIN DURANT-Thunder) - Has been sensational this season and more importantly, the most consistent player in the league. Considering that his team has been without star guard Russell Westbrook and with the free agent departure of sharpshooter Kevin Martin, hes had to carry the majority of the load to not only keep his team afloat but more importantly, at an elite level. Cheap Steelers Jerseys . The showiest items on Calgarys lot were forwards Mike Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak. Both will be unrestricted free agents this summer. http://www.officialsteelersnflauthenticshop.com/ .H. -- Matt Kenseth made it 2 for 2 in the Chase, holding off teammate Kyle Busch to win Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Only one statistic about Greg Inglis concerns Queensland coach Kevin Walters ahead of Wednesdays State of Origin III - game No.30.On paper, Inglis is having a quiet series.He may be Origins leading try scorer but the powerhouse centre has failed to register a line break let alone a four pointer in 2016.However, Walters is convinced a milestone will bring the best out of Inglis - and Queensland in game three in Sydney.Inglis will become the ninth Queenslander - and just 10th overall - to join the 30 Origin club, featuring current teammates Cameron Smith (a record 38), Johnathan Thurston (35 straight) and Nate Myles (30).Walters said it would be a bonus if Inglis added to his record try tally of 17 in game three.But the Maroons mentor was more concerned with Inglis savouring his landmark game.It would be nice if he got one (try) but the boys need to make sure his 30th is as special as his first one, Walters said.We know how much he loves putting the Maroons jumper on.Inglis, 29, faces the prospect of going try-less in a series for the third time since his 2006 debut.The only series in which he has failed to cross for Queensland were 2008 and 2014.And for the first time siince his 2006 breakthrough Inglis may finish a series without registering a line break. Elite Steelers Jerseys. nglis has a record 28 Origin line breaks after eclipsing Mal Meninga (27) last year.But Walters was only worried about what he saw from Inglis on the Maroons training paddock this week.He is big, hes fast and hes strong - thats all I have seen, Walters said.Hes an Origin player. He loves that arena.Still, Walters said they would defy what are expected to be greasy ANZ Stadium conditions on Wednesday night and opt for an open game in a bid to involve Inglis more.We will try to play as open as we can - we have some great attacking players, Walters said.I thought Greg Inglis was outstanding in game two - we intend to give him as much possession as we can.A game three victory would seal Queenslands fifth series whitewash - and put Inglis in another elite Origin club.He is aiming to become just the fifth player in Origin history to be involved in 20 wins.The other members are all Queensland teammates - captain Smith, Thurston, Myles and Sam Thaiday. 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