With two losses in two matches, the U.S. men's volleyball team was on the verge of being eliminated from advancing to the quarterfinals.

Team USA entered play on Day 3 of the preliminaries Thursday with zero points, trailing France and Canada by three points for the final spot to advance.

Of course in order to do that, the Americans had to beat the best team in the world. And they did it.

USA beat Brazil, which had a stranglehold atop Pool A, three sets to one. The Americans topped the hosts in spikes, blocks and serves, earning themselves a valuable three points in the standings. 

The U.S. plays France and Mexico on Saturday and Sunday respectively. If the squad wasn't able to pick up at least a point, their chances to even get into the knockout tournament looked slim.