Quotebut currently, i dare say russia is still the best team, why?
i always believe from 98 - 2004, the x factor that cost the golds for russia is the setter---just look at how high the balls were set even in 2000OG, russia should have won; 2004, should have if artamonva is not injured
How can you say Russia should have won? China was clearly the best team in Athens only losing one match (in five sets to a strong Cuba team). China destroyed Russia in prelim and really should have swept them in the finals but a missed call in the first set gave Russia some momentum. I don't know how the refs missed the libero Tyurina going up to block. The final actually could have gone either way, but I think Russia relied too much on Gamova and Sokolova. Plotnikova was a very good player but hardly got set. I think China's defense and variety won them the tournament. Just my opinion. BTW, Artamonova was power hitter right? That means one of Gamova or Sokolova would have been benched...hmm...tough decision for Karpol.