U.S. Defeats Cuba; Brazil Wins Gold : Men’s volleyball: Americans come back after losing first game. In championship match, the Dutch yield 14 consecutive points in third game.

It was difficult for U.S. volleyball player Doug Partie to accept his bronze medal Sunday.

“This was the toughest tournament field I’ve seen in quite a while,” Partie said. “But that’s no consolation for how I feel right now. I’m still getting my bronze medal gold-plated.”

After an uninspired first game, the United States defeated Cuba, 12-15, 15-13, 15-7, 15-11 to earn the bronze.

Brazil, with one of the best attacks in the sport, won the gold medal Saturday, defeating the Netherlands, 15-12, 15-8, 15-5.

The Palau Sant Jordi was awash in the yellow and green colors of Brazil and the orange of the Netherlands. The Brazilian fans blew trumpets, beat drums and swayed to a samba rhythm in an atmosphere resembling that of a soccer match.

The Netherlands, an upset winner over Cuba and world champion Italy earlier in the tournament, was playing in its first Olympic final. Brazil won the silver medal in 1984.

The Dutch took a 5-1 lead during the third game as their coach, Arie Selinger, who coached the U.S. women to a silver medal in 1984, made frequent substitutions.

But Brazil scored the next 14 points to clinch the gold.

Friday, Brazil defeated the United States in four games, eliminating the Americans from contention for their third consecutive gold medal.

“We decided that if we couldn’t win the gold, we might as well leave here with something,” Bob Samuelson said.

The bronze-medal match also ended a long and frustrating trip for the U.S. players, who decided to shave their heads last week in protest of a decision that cost them a preliminary victory over Japan. The protest had come after it was ruled that Samuelson should have received a red card for his second warning. The red card cost the United States a point.

“It was really hard picking ourselves up,” Samuelson said. “I was about as low as a person can get, especially since most of the controversy centered around me in the game against Japan.

“I think the guys knew how low I was. We held a team meeting last night and it seemed to motivate us a little bit. I know I felt a little better.”

U.S. Coach Fred Sturm also warned his players that they could not be lethargic against Cuba. The Americans led the series against the Cubans, 39-31, but Cuba had won the last 10 matches, including a match at the 1991 World Cup. The Cubans were seeking only their second medal ever to go with the bronze they won during the 1976 games in Montreal.

Cuba played well in the first game, taking an 8-1 lead. The United States pulled within 11-10 and 12-11 before Cuba closed out the game.

The United States trailed, 9-7, during the second game, but Sturm substituted Samuelson for Timmons. His play sparked the United States and the team regained the lead at 11-10. Samuelson blocked a Cuban attempt for game point and the United States eventually tied the match at one game apiece.

After winning the second game, the United States gained control of the match with an improved passing game and blocking defense.

Samuelson finished with 17 kills and three blocks. Timmons had 11 kills and one block.

Bryan Ivie led the U.S. attack with 23 kills. Scott Fortune had 19.

“We were kind of sitting around waiting for something to happen,” Partie said. “Then I think the guys realized we better start focusing on getting a medal.”

Said Samuelson: “We got some redemption out of this because it was against Cuba, and they have played extremely well against us.

“I think we showed a lot of character in coming back, but it’s going to be a while before we get over not bringing home the gold. This has been a long trip.”

Material from the Associated Press is included in this story.

Volleyball Medalists

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GOLD: Brazil

SILVER: Netherlands

BRONZE: United States