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Post by USAFAN on Aug 17, 2008 10:51:56 GMT -5
So, now the real tournament begins and going into the quarters all the teams that were expected to make it have gotten there, but maybe not how we expected. Russia is certainly struggling, the USA isn't playing very well and China isn't looking as sharp as they did 4 years ago. However, there is much more at stake in the elimination round and I expect the level and quality of play to go up considerably.
Going from what we know thus far (#1 seed from each pool plays the #4 seed from the other), the match ups will be
BRA X JPN CUB X SRB
CHN & USA will play either RUS or ITA.
Does anyone know when they draw the final schedule?
I think the USA is probably hoping to play Russia considering the way that the Russians have played this tournament. However, they do still have the big guns and have all the potential in the world to play better. Should be very interesting.
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Post by XAsstCoach on Aug 17, 2008 11:15:52 GMT -5
Isn't it possible that USA will play China?
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Post by baywatcher on Aug 17, 2008 11:19:50 GMT -5
I sent Murina a PM asking how the draw works; hope the time difference allows for a response and this is the forum. It makes sense the USA would play Italy or Russia; I vote for Russia. I don't know if the draw is also for which bracket; i.e. will USA be with Cuba or Brazil. I assume Brazil.
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Post by USAFAN on Aug 17, 2008 11:23:47 GMT -5
It looks the quarterfinals have already been set
USA X ITA CUB X SRB BRA X JPN CHN X RUS
This is going to be VERY tough for the USA.
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Post by XAsstCoach on Aug 17, 2008 12:15:43 GMT -5
Why would it be tough for the US? After watching them play tonight it looks like Italy isn't a force to be reckon with.
Edit: fugget what I wrote...I got Italy mixed up with Serbia. Oops!
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Post by Chris123 on Aug 17, 2008 12:35:19 GMT -5
Are the quarterfinals single elimination?
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Post by callinup22 on Aug 17, 2008 12:44:01 GMT -5
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Post by bownlovingfreak on Aug 17, 2008 12:52:41 GMT -5
Why is the USA the #2 seed playing the #2 seed Italy? Shouldn't they play Russia the #3?! I don't get it
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Post by Chris123 on Aug 17, 2008 12:53:48 GMT -5
I also looked at the website and #2 of Pool A is supposed to play #3 of Pool B which would be Russia. I hope this is the case, at any rate, nothing has been posted on the NBC site yet.
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Post by rogero1 on Aug 17, 2008 12:58:18 GMT -5
Why is the USA the #2 seed playing the #2 seed Italy? Shouldn't they play Russia the #3?! I don't get it Because of the last Olympics, the organizers felt that some teams might drop a match to get a better match up. Hence, the organizers reserved the right to re-adjust the 2v3 quarterfinal matches, while figuring if you came in 4th, you deserved to play the #1 seed in the other pool.
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Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2008 13:38:58 GMT -5
Might? They do it all the time.
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Post by Murina on Aug 17, 2008 14:25:02 GMT -5
I sent Murina a PM asking how the draw works; hope the time difference allows for a response and this is the forum. It makes sense the USA would play Italy or Russia; I vote for Russia. I don't know if the draw is also for which bracket; i.e. will USA be with Cuba or Brazil. I assume Brazil. Didn't get this until to late, sorry!
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Post by rogero1 on Aug 17, 2008 14:45:25 GMT -5
Might? They do it all the time. Ok, I was just trying to be PC. This is also the same reason for the FIVB changing the tiebreaking procedure to points pct. rather than set pct. Teams would put in their 2nd string after winning the first 2 sets during an easy match. This cuts down on getting subs int'l experience.
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Post by vballguy2001 on Aug 17, 2008 14:57:11 GMT -5
This match against Italy could be a tough one....I sense USA in trouble..........but what do I know.......They'll probably sweep Italy.
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Post by OverAndUnder on Aug 17, 2008 16:15:07 GMT -5
Far from being a convenient arrangment for the hosts, this is actually a BETTER draw for the USA than for China. The China/Russia game is now a moot point, because the winner becomes target practice for Brasil's advance to the Gold Medal Round. China effectively now cannot get higher than Bronze. If USA can get past Italy, I think they have a decent shot (25-40%) at the Silver, and a good chance for the Bronze. I don't think Cuba will find USA as easy an opponent the second time.
That being said, Italy has always had our number. Barazza knows our hitters very well and is a smart blocker, and Aguero has the court vision to find many holes in our defense. It's scary to think about the fact that they handled us easily in the 2007 World Cup without Ortolani ever removing her warmup jacket.
As things stand now, if I were placing bets I'd say: GOLD - Brasil SILVER - Italia BRONZE - Cuba
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