Brazil looked to be in charge from the outset of the semi-final clash, with the imposing figure of Alison dominating the net and allowing the Latvians few openings as the South Americans registered a 21-15 22-20 win.
Latvia made more of a fight of it in the second set, matching Brazil all the way to 20-20 before the top seeds came good on the crucial points, a trademark Alison block sealing the victory.
'We won the first set easily, so the other team changed their strategy,' said Emanuel.
'So I told Alison to take it easy, relax and take a deep breath and I would do the sets for him and he needed just to do his thing.'
Alison added: 'It's a dream come true. I have been dreaming about this since I was a child.
'Today I can finally say I am an Olympic athlete with a medal. But I am still dreaming about the gold.'
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