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Post by ironhammer on Jul 24, 2024 1:41:07 GMT -5
After the disappointment after high expectations in the Tokyo Olympics, Coach Cai Bin and several players seem to be united in trying to lower expectations and subsequently lower the amount of pressure. In an interview on CCTV, Zhu Ting lowered expectations about herself and her team's goals. Translated: "Now I am older and have more injuries. When I was young, I definitely didn't have any problems with injuries. I just played...Of course I want to participate in the Olympics in a particularly good state or the best state, and the goal is to achieve the best results." Zhu Ting has reportedly recovered from her waist injury that occurred near the end of the VNL. Or maybe they are just realistic about their chances. I understand if they need to lower expectations for some naive Chinese fans, but realistically, China isn't among the favorites this year. Serbia, Brazil, Italy and Turkey are the betting favorites. So I don't see why they need to feel so much pressure on themselves. They should simply play without pressure on their backs. Just do their best to fight for each point so they don't regret it. |
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Post by ironhammer on Jul 24, 2024 8:54:02 GMT -5
US fans might be underselling the team for fear of jinx-ing them. But overall, like I said, US has the edge...on paper. Whether they can execute that in practice to their advantage is the big question.
I mean Poulter still had that knee injury issue, so I guess its time for Carlini to shine and deliver. Carlini didn't have an impressive VNL, but she will have to be on top for the Olympics...for the sake of the team. JWO remains one of the best liberos in the world. The middles...might not be as good as China's, but Washington, Rettke and Chiaka Ogbogu are no wilting wallflowers either. Thompson and Drews likewise may not be the absolute best opposites in the world, but they are not necessarily that far from the top...if they can deliver. The outside hitters, Cook, Plummer, Skinner...I don't know though. Larson...well the "governor" has the experience, leadership and drive to make it count. Only question is, as age is starting to creep up on her, can her body still match her mental toughness?
China by contrast as the underdogs definitely has an uphill battle ahead, but I wonder...can they translate that as momentum to win? I'm not just talking about the middles here. To win require more than that...
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Post by mango0311 on Jul 24, 2024 9:27:47 GMT -5
If rumors are true we might finally see Zhu playing in the opposite side. Looks like starting OHs will be Wu and LYY while Zhu will come from the bench and play OH or Opp. My prediction is USA in 4 I wonder why they don't consider Zhang CN play as opposite to help stabilize the passing. It's a position she's played before and I would rather see Zhu T and LYY as the starting OH duo. I think China will take the W as long as both middles and LYY maintain their level. |
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Post by blue10 on Jul 24, 2024 9:34:46 GMT -5
USA in 4. China will be third in the pool. Next
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Post by ironhammer on Jul 24, 2024 9:44:45 GMT -5
USA in 4. China will be third in the pool. Next What if you are wrong...  |
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Post by sleepy on Jul 24, 2024 11:54:48 GMT -5
USA in 4. China will be third in the pool. Next What if you are wrong... why don’t you make a prediction then |
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Post by blue10 on Jul 24, 2024 13:57:42 GMT -5
USA in 4. China will be third in the pool. Next What if you are wrong... then I guess I am ? What’s the point of asking for predictions if you’re just gonna comment back and say “what if you’re wrong” ? |
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Post by socalplayer on Jul 24, 2024 16:52:59 GMT -5
I have a sinking feeling Cook and Cook will be starters. Based on the scrimmage IG videos. KP, Avery, Thompson, Carlini and Hentz were on one team so by default the other (starting) team is Larson, Cook, Poulter (or Micha?), Drews, and JWP.
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Post by ironhammer on Jul 24, 2024 22:42:42 GMT -5
What if you are wrong... why don’t you make a prediction then I did. |
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Post by ironhammer on Jul 24, 2024 22:43:22 GMT -5
What if you are wrong... then I guess I am ? What’s the point of asking for predictions if you’re just gonna comment back and say “what if you’re wrong” ? Relax, I wasn't challenging you, just assessing the possibilities right now... |
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Post by Wichsen on Jul 25, 2024 0:29:58 GMT -5
China in 3 or 4. More points from thompson/drews and it may go to 5 sets. LYY with 40pts lol
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Post by sleepy on Jul 25, 2024 22:52:55 GMT -5
why don’t you make a prediction then I did. maybe I missed it but what was ur set predictions |
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Post by ironhammer on Jul 26, 2024 1:59:44 GMT -5
I did. maybe I missed it but what was ur set predictions Who needs to be so precise now? |
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Post by CAI BIN MUST GO on Jul 26, 2024 6:44:22 GMT -5
China in 3 or 4. More points from thompson/drews and it may go to 5 sets. LYY with 40pts lol looking at practice videos it's most likely zhu/lyy starting at the outside |
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Post by ethanfox on Jul 27, 2024 3:12:41 GMT -5
Who’s USA’s starters even lol
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