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The Americans are back on track after defeating surprise Division 2 winners Australia 3-1 at the 2014 FIVB Men's Volleyball World League in Florence, Italy.

Thomas Edgar was instrumental during Australia's win against France in their Division 2 finals match in Australia last week and is still a hitter to contend with as he starts pounding in the first set leading the Aussies to 1-0 advantage.

Matthew Anderson and Taylor Sander stepped up their game and spiked accurately through Aussie defenders in the second set. Helped by unforced errors from Australia, USA finished off the set 25-18.

Edgar tried to rally the Aussies in the third set but the vicious spikes of Sander and a crucial attack by Anderson sealed them the set 25-23 and lead two sets to one.

The Australians fought hard in the fourth set but Sander and Anderson found gaps in the Aussie blockade that eventually led to their demise. USA wins the set and the match 22-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-19.

Sander got his game back as he led the Americans with 21 amazing points, 19 coming from attacks and one each on the blocks and service department.

Edgar led the Aussies with 20 points with 16 spikes, two blocks and two service aces.

USA lost their first match against Italy in a shut-out game 0-3 Wednesday and now awaits the final match between Italy and Australia scheduled Friday at the Nelson Mandela Forum.

If Italy wins the match, USA is automatically second place in their pool which entitles them to be part of the final four. Australia must defeat Italy in three straight sets in order for them to boot out the Americans in the semi-finals.

It's a do-or-die match-up on Friday as Australia and Iran battle for their lives in their respective pools to capture the two remaining spots of the semi-finals with Brazil and Italy already clinching the top spots.

Tagsvolleyball, fivb, 2014 FIVB World League, Thomas Edgar, Matthew Anderson, Taylor Sander