Favourites Brazil stormed into the women's Olympic volleyball final for the first time on Thursday where they will meet surprise package United States.

Brazil breezed past hosts and reigning champions China 3-0 (27-25, 25-22, 25-14) while the US stunned hapless Cuba in a 3-0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-17) canter.

Brazil's victory in some way made up for their despair four years ago when they blew five match-points at 24-19 against Russia in the semi-final before eventually coming away empty handed.

“For me our group is very strong. Four years ago we deserved to get to the Olympic final but this time we made the most of it and now we are in the final,” said star spiker Sheila Castro.

China came out of the traps firing and quickly opened a 5-1 lead. But it is not for nothing that Brazil have yet to drop a set and the favourites dug in hard before dragging themselves back into the set and taking it 27-25.

In a thrilling end, brilliant defence from Brazil allowed Castro to smash home the winning spike after a lengthy rally in which China had several opportunities.

Normal service was resumed in the second set with Brazil in the ascendancy but China stuck doggedly to their task and briefly held the lead before the samba stars finished them off 25-22.

China were not letting Brazil have things entirely their own way but the South Americans simply had too many match-winners all over the court and played with a fluidity that no other side can replicate.