USA vs Italy (Olympic men's semifinal) - pre/pbp/post chat

[timduckforlife]

US should have won this. They should have taken the 1st set, they should have won the 4th set. Just that simple.

That said, that was some terrible officiating. No warning, yellow or red card given to the Italians for the end of the 1st set is completely mindboggling. And then it looked like they warned David Lee for questioning it, and giving a warning to Speraw. Did the FIVB not want the USA in the gold medal match and did everything they could to try and game the match? Too far, I know, but it had to be said.

Also needs to be said how unprofessional the Italian team was during that point. Charging the down ref, screaming at him (not his effing call), and really almost grabbing him, purposefully pulling on the net, running to the american side too. I mean, wow, just wow.

Hats off to them for nutting it up when all the chips at the end seemed to be in the americans favor, but I really hate that italian team now. I really hope Brazil destroys them in 3 sets.

[Deleted]

Aug 19, 2016 22:27:47 GMT -5 sammyd said:

Aug 19, 2016 16:24:34 GMT -5 cardinalvolleyball said:

I fully blame him for the 5th set. He's young, he'll figure it out or he'll be sitting on the bench while Jaeschke plays for the next four years

You think Jaeschke is going to do a better job?

Sounds like you're grasping at straws.

He could have, Jaeschke is more talented was a far better college player and has two titles to show for it unlike Sander!

[akbar]

Aug 19, 2016 13:33:19 GMT -5 ripitline said:

Aug 19, 2016 13:31:35 GMT -5 vballfannbama said:

I'm still in shock sander let that ball fall too close to the line....5th set anything that close you gotta play it man!!!!

it was Russel

See , again many of us posters just can't see the or know the true situation.

Max serve a bomb forcing the overpass and Aaron was backing up to play the ball as it was a little to far to strike as an overpass. Max was the one who rushed over and from behind Aaron called out.....therefore Aaron let it drop as the guy behind him had a better angle.

Of course everyone jumps to a conclusion and blames the guy closest to the ball.

If you watch Max's reaction he is beside himself and Matt rushed over to calm him down and prepare for the next point.

Again this exemplifies my points on game 1 and game 4. MANY mistakes happen or opportunities are lost because of a few things. It's not always one action or one guy.

Of course there are those posters too who are just looking to blame specific people or coaches due to their own motives.

We had plenty of opportunities to put this match away in 3 or 4 but nerves AND the play of Italy got the best of the TEAM.

It happens , it happened and most importantly the guys have to keep their head's up and win a medal tomorrow and the women today.

[cardinalvolleyball]

Aug 19, 2016 22:27:47 GMT -5 sammyd said:

Aug 19, 2016 16:24:34 GMT -5 cardinalvolleyball said:

I fully blame him for the 5th set. He's young, he'll figure it out or he'll be sitting on the bench while Jaeschke plays for the next four years

You think Jaeschke is going to do a better job?

Sounds like you're grasping at straws.

I dont' think he'll do a better job, but but struggling in pressure situations will open the door for the next OH which I assume is Jaeschke