The Americans, the top team in their preliminary group, had to accept that another gold medal was gone.

The bottom four teams from the preliminary group faced off in the classification matches.

They took 3rd of 4 teams in their preliminary group with a 1-2 record, moving on to the classification rounds.

The other ten teams split into three preliminary groups for the six remaining second round places.

Records from the preliminary groups carried over, but only against teams that also advanced.

Being in the bottom half of the preliminary group meant that the team could finish no better than fifth.

In the second season of the tournament, the twelve participating teams were also divided into three preliminary groups.

From four preliminary groups the teams were split into three finals.

They dropped an early 27-25 decision against Bulgaria but finished at 3-1 in their preliminary group.

These 24 contestants were then divided into six preliminary groups, consisting of four participants each.