Brazil stormed its way through its women's volleyball semifinal against China last night to set up a final clash with the United States tomorrow.

Zhou Suhong (L) of China plays a shot as Marianne Steinbrecher of Brazil attempts a block during their women's semifinal volleyball match at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 21, 2008. [Agencies]

Earlier, the Americans had stunned a hapless Cuba in an easy straight sets win.

Brazil, the world No 1 side, was too good for China and overcame the hosts 27-25, 25-22 and 25-14 in a one-sided game in which the hosts displayed many defensive errors.

It was the South Americans' seventh consecutive straight-sets win at the tournament.

The following is the comment from Sun Yue, former member of the Chinese women's volleyball team.

I had a hard time calming myself down back in the hotel before I could start writing this blog..

I couldn't help bursting into tears when the song "Sunshine Always Comes After the Storm" was played at the end of the women's volleyball semi-final in which China lost to Brazil.

I can't help feeling sorry for the Chinese volleyball girls who are to retire after these Games without a gold medal at their last Olympic competition.

Recalling the similar experience of mine eight years ago at the 2000 Sydney Games when I ended my last Olympic competition without a medal, I quite understand their feelings at this moment: they must be full of regret.

However, no matter what they feel like now, the main thing I hope for them is that they pull themselves up and fight their best in the coming bronze match.

After all, the Olympics are not just about gold medals. Showing spirit is important. Go, Chinese volleyball ladies, you are the best.

http://sunyuesohu.blog.sohu.com/97859102.html