RIO DE JANEIRO

John Speraw ran along the sideline about as close as he could to actually being in the action, cheering Aaron Russell to make a save while crashing into the barrier some 20 feet behind the end line.

“I was willing him to get that ball,” the U.S. coach said. “I’m into it. It’s the Olympic Games.”

Russell didn’t quite get there. Moments later, Micah Christenson pulled off a nearly identical play and kept the point going.

It has taken that kind of hustle — not to mention several heart-to-hearts — for the semifinals-bound U.S. men’s volleyball team to put itself in position for an Olympic medal.

The fifth-ranked Americans topped second-ranked Poland 25-23, 25-22 25-20 on Wednesday, building serious momentum at Maracanazinho arena after dropping their initial two matches to Canada and Italy before stunning Brazil and finishing off France.

Brazil beat Argentina 25- 22, 17-25, 25-19, 25-23 and will play Russia in the semifinals Friday.

The U.S. will play Italy, which beat Olympic first-timer Iran in straight sets. That included a 31-29 first set that finally ended on Italy captain Emanuele Birarelli’s block. The Italians beat the U.S. in four sets during pool play — and the Americans haven’t lost since.

Sitting in his hotel room a week ago, Speraw had his doubts after the 0-2 start. Then, the jitters subsided, the volleyball got far better after those team chats, and everything clicked for his young group.

“I had a hunch that if this team — as young as they are and as inexperienced as they are, without tons of adversity — if we were going to reach our very best, it was going to take some adversity within this tournament,” Speraw said. “I don’t think any of us expected to come into this volleyball match against Poland, as good as they are and as well as they were playing, and come away with a 3-0 win. It’s really remarkable. We demonstrated an incredible amount of poise.”

From David Lee’s leaping blocks and fist-pumping celebrations to high-flying kills by Sander all afternoon and steady setter Christenson leading the offense, the U.S. now has a true shot at the podium. Four years ago in London, the veterans of this group were on the other end of a quarterfinal sweep at the hands of Italy.