Predictions??????

[vballguy2001]

Soooo with the matches on the verge of starting does anyone have any predictions for both Men and Women? What are our chances this year. It has been a long time since we have seen the Red White and Blue on the Medal Stand. Will this year be any different?

I personally think the Men have a better chance then the Women, but I'll let you guys discuss that.

[Murina]

The women's tournament is the deepest there has been in some time - maybe ever. I see nine teams with legit medal dreams.

For me, Russia is the favorite, but not far ahead of Brazil, Cuba, Italy, China and USA. Poland, Japan and Serbia will all beat good teams, but probably won't medal.

[cardfan15]

I too think the men have a stronger chance than the women but only if they use the world league gold as a confidence booster and not feel burdened by the pressure of back to back medal performances.

I also think the women have a very strong chance at a medal, however, it is going to take a week and a half of focus, determination, and ultimately teamwork because team USA doesn't have the guns to match other teams. I'm predicting a bronze for the women.

[Phaedrus]

Russia: Definite favorite. No Karpol to scream at them from the sidelines. But also no Karpol to pull the best out of them. Sheshenina is one four years older and smarter. Sokolova (Sorry, she'll always be Sokolova to me), Armatenova, Gamova are bitter after losing in five to China. So this should be good.

Brasil: Lots of confidence after winning WGP. But will Marianne step up and show her stuff after wilting the last two matches of Athens? Always fun to watch. But will take themselves out of the match as quickly as they put themselves in?

Italy: That was my favorite team going into the WGP, all because I really like Lo Bianco at setter. Athletic and aggressive. But they really need Aguero. I think theywill make the final round but where they slot in is the big question.

Cuba: Simplicity personified. Pass ball, set ball, hit ball. And hit it really hard. Like Brasil very emotional team. We need to keep track of how many fights they get into.

China: can the four holdovers from Athens pull the train into the station? I don't think Feng is 100%. I have no faith in the two big middles on offense. I love the Opp, buit is she enough to take the pressure off the outsides?

USA: If they play like they interview, we should be OK. But ball control worries me. As does left side termination.

[imbetterthenu]

Men:

Seems like they are starting to roll. Rich Lambourne is one of the best libero's in the world. Lloy Ball is playing well. They have good Middles in Millar, Hoff, and Lee. Their Outside Hitters are deep. My only question mark is at the Opposite. I think if they can get consistency out of their opposite then they could be in the gold Medal Match. However, my prediction is Brazil. Brazil is just to fast, and to solid in every position.

Gold-Brazil
Silver- USA
Bronze- Serbia or Russia

Women:

Can't see them in the medal round. Poor ball control, lack of OH hitting is a bad combination to have to try to medal in the Olympics. I think they get out of pool, but loose quickly. I hope they prove me wrong. I think it is sad that we can't do better on the women's side in the Olympics. With as many quality players that are in the college ranks, and a large talent pool, I would think that we could excel on the international stage like the men.

Gold- Russia
Silver- Cuba
Bronze- Brazil

[YellowC]

Aug 8, 2008 14:09:21 GMT -5 imbetterthenu said:

Men:

Seems like they are starting to roll. Rich Lambourne is one of the best libero's in the world. Lloy Ball is playing well. They have good Middles in Millar, Hoff, and Lee. Their Outside Hitters are deep. My only question mark is at the Opposite. I think if they can get consistency out of their opposite then they could be in the gold Medal Match. However, my prediction is Brazil. Brazil is just to fast, and to solid in every position.

Gold-Brazil
Silver- USA
Bronze- Serbia or Russia

Women:

Can't see them in the medal round. Poor ball control, lack of OH hitting is a bad combination to have to try to medal in the Olympics. I think they get out of pool, but loose quickly. I hope they prove me wrong. I think it is sad that we can't do better on the women's side in the Olympics. With as many quality players that are in the college ranks, and a large talent pool, I would think that we could excel on the international stage like the men.

Gold- Russia
Silver- Cuba
Bronze- Brazil

Has Brazil gotten anything higher than Bronze??