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Post by sonofdogman on Oct 13, 2017 11:54:14 GMT -5
The rise of college game has been giving me hope over the past Olympic quad that the USA can regain the top spot among beach nations. For although our top team took gold in 2004, 2008, and 2012, it was clear Brazil had more depth and more world class teams/players than we did.
But now I feel it is quite clear, we are no longer sitting in 2nd on the global scene. If nations are ranked in quality based on depth of players who are considered podium contenders, how do you see the top three?
I think it is currently clear: 1. BRA 2. GER 3. USA
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Post by tamz on Oct 13, 2017 12:02:47 GMT -5
Brazil definitely #1. But we cannot forget about Canada (Sarah Pavan and Melissa Humana-Paredes) and other European countries namely— Switzerland, Czech Republic.
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Post by pnw_mark on Oct 13, 2017 12:23:50 GMT -5
i think we have the talent but they choose to play indoor ... and why not. Paycheck is more consistent and your travel is generally easier. I think if the money came back more girls might choose the beach.
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Post by wilsonthevolleyball2 on Oct 13, 2017 12:38:48 GMT -5
Brazil definitely #1. But we cannot forget about Canada (Sarah Pavan and Melissa Humana-Paredes) and other European countries namely— Switzerland, Czech Republic. Fully agree there: if BRA, GER, and USA are the top tier, these are the countries just a step below knocking on the door.
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Post by wilsonthevolleyball2 on Oct 13, 2017 12:40:57 GMT -5
On a similar note: does anyone have a pick on any "dark horse" contenders? Or any teams that, if they won a gold out of the blue, you could go and say "Huh, well y'know I could see this."
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Post by bvbfan88 on Oct 13, 2017 12:46:01 GMT -5
Well 6 countries have been mentioned so far, and these were the only 6 countries in the World Tour Finals. I'd probably put Germany on top at the moment. They have thrown more money at the sport this year after the success and publicity from the Olympics in 2016. A quick glance at this years 5* events and WTF shows 2x gold for GER (Laboureur/Sude and Ludwig/Walkenhorst) and 1x Gold for BRA and CAN. Surprisingly, no medals for USA at all in these 4 biggest FIVB events. So, 1. GER, 2. BRA, 3. USA. With SUI, CAN and CZE knocking on the door.
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Post by tamz on Oct 13, 2017 13:15:34 GMT -5
Well 6 countries have been mentioned so far, and these were the only 6 countries in the World Tour Finals. I'd probably put Germany on top at the moment. They have thrown more money at the sport this year after the success and publicity from the Olympics in 2016. A quick glance at this years 5* events and WTF shows 2x gold for GER (Laboureur/Sude and Ludwig/Walkenhorst) and 1x Gold for BRA and CAN. Surprisingly, no medals for USA at all in these 4 biggest FIVB events. So, 1. GER, 2. BRA, 3. USA. With SUI, CAN and CZE knocking on the door. True. This year saw the drastic decline in medals for USA women’s teams. Not a single gold medal in the 3* or higher events. Only two gold medals for Betsi Flint and Kelly Larsen in the 2* events— which isn’t bad for a team just starting out. Who was the better USA women’s team this year? Brooke Sweat and Summer Ross with top 10 finishes or the silver medal in World Champs for April Ross and Lauren Fendrick?
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Post by donnyw on Oct 13, 2017 20:21:57 GMT -5
I agree with the top three Countries. Although I feel the USA is a distant 3rd behind Brazil & Germany....
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Post by Deleted on Oct 13, 2017 20:40:33 GMT -5
I would say a tie for 1# Brazil and Germany. And from there everyone is kind tied as well, CAn - USA - Sui - Cze.
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Post by guest2 on Oct 14, 2017 6:09:30 GMT -5
I would say a tie for 1# Brazil and Germany. And from there everyone is kind tied as well, CAn - USA - Sui - Cze. The US was compromised because their two best players had to play with subpar teammates because of politics, injuries etc. but it is true they are a distant third now. Brazil should be ranked ahead of Germany just due to extreme depth. Germany has the best team, but if you played Germany v Brazil top 8 teams, its conceivable Germany might only win one match. Conversely Brazil loses no more than 3.
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Post by tree on Oct 14, 2017 12:32:36 GMT -5
I would go Brazil, Germany, then US and Canada tied for third. I see this changing soon.
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Post by ajm on Oct 16, 2017 12:54:32 GMT -5
i think we have the talent but they choose to play indoor ... and why not. Paycheck is more consistent and your travel is generally easier. I think if the money came back more girls might choose the beach. Isn't that true everywhere? I would assume many of the most talented Brazilians and Germans are also choosing to play indoor for the money as well.
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Post by donnyw on Oct 18, 2017 20:49:55 GMT -5
I don't see the USA women competing with Brazil & Germany consistently at least for the next couple of years. The good news is they say that it takes a young player coming out of college two or 3 years to get their footing on the pro tour....That sets Sara & Kelly up well for Toyko 2020 (If they stay together- I still have my doubts they will). Early 2020 Gold Medal Favorite in my opinion....Laura & Kira to repeat! Silver goes to Duda & Agatha....Another Bronze for......Kerri & Nicole (Yes..you heard it hear first)...Well....I can dream!!!
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Post by bvbfan88 on Oct 20, 2017 3:20:25 GMT -5
2020 Gold Medal Favorite in my opinion....Laura & Kira to repeat! Silver goes to Duda & Agatha....Another Bronze for......Kerri & Nicole (Yes..you heard it hear first)...Well....I can dream!!! Wow, olympic predictions already! If L&K have the number of injuries of this year would they even qualify?Remember they were wildcard entries to compete in the WTFs. Yes, I can see Duda & Agatha getting to the medals. Err, I'll reserve judgement on Kerri and Nicole at the moment.
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Post by donnyw on Oct 21, 2017 16:53:31 GMT -5
Someone mentioned that Kira has an auto immune disease. Not sure what kind but definitely could put a damper on another gold medal run for sure. They looked awesome in WTF's though.
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