Russia won the bronze on Sunday in the Volleyball World League by defeating Brazil 3-1 in the Maracanazinho gym of Rio de Janeiro.

The Russian victory of 25-23, 25-19, 23-25 and 25-19 made Brazil out of the podium for the first time since coach Bernardinho took the command of the Brazilian national team in 2001.

Under Bernardinho, Brazil won a gold in 2001 and finished runner-up from 2002-2007.

On the victory, Russian coach Alenko said in a press conference that "I'm very happy for the way my players have played and also because this is the first time we have been able to defeat Brazil since 2002."

Alenko said that his team before traveling to Brazil has wished to play twice against Brazil, "and at the end we have achieved it."

(Xinhua News Agency July 28, 2008)