Still plenty to watch even without Phelps

The American team started play without McCutcheon and rolled to three wins. He rejoined them for their fourth win over China, the victory that guaranteed them a place in the quarterfinals. The United States men won gold in 1984 and 1988, when the team was led by Karch Kiraly, whom some consider the greatest to ever play the game. They won bronze in 1992 and have never medaled since. But this year, they’re on a mission, inspired by their coach’s courage in the midst of a tragic loss.

In addition to the indoor volleyball teams, both of the American women’s and men’s teams have made the medal round in beach volleyball.

The men’s soccer team didn’t make the medal round, but the women, who have a third-place finish in the 1997 World Cup to atone for, are also in the medal round. Women’s soccer, like softball, joined the Olympics in 1996. Unlike softball, it’s here to stay.

The American women won the first women’s World Cup in 1991 and the first Olympic tournament in 1996. They finished second to Norway in 2000, and took gold again in Athens. Norway remains their biggest rival.

Women’s water polo has been another powerful American team that’s reached the medal round of every international tournament it’s played in since the 2000 Olympics, when the sport joined the Games. The Americans finished second to Australia in Sydney that year and took bronze in Athens while Australia finished out of the medals.

This year, the United States comes into the Olympics ranked first in the world. But to get to the gold-medal game, they have to get past archrival Australia, the world’s second-ranked team, in the semifinals on Tuesday.

The men’s water polo team is also still in contention, but has to beat or tie Germany on Monday to advance to the medal round.

MORE FROM BEIJING OLYMPICS NEWS

Beijing Olympics News Section Front

China’s gold medalists to receive $51,000 each China ends 'truly exceptional games' Castro defends athlete who kicked judge in face Beijing prepares for Olympic venues’ future China deports 10 activists after ceremony After victory, China's sports system at crossroads IOC president says Olympics opened up China New China? Bird's Nest replaces Mao on yuan Celizic: Phelps, Bolt will go down as Beijing's main men IOC: No proof China cheated in gymnastics Beijing Olympics News Section Front   Add Beijing Olympics News headlines to your news reader: