2012 Olympic Games

    Del Core is helping Russia, let her on court.

    Quote from Fatal-Cuss

    Really normal??
    Come on it's no normal
    We saw their face in match no happy no sad they were like poker face
    after they got 2nd set no block no defence etc...
    anyway congratz china and korea.


    Whatever you think :down:
    Good luck to beat USA :dance6:

    Nevermind, its being shown on TV right now (Dubai Sports) with English commentary! :thumbsup:

    "[size=8]It's years and years of work and sacrifice and dedication. Along with a lot of these girls, we've sweat and we've bled and we've cried together in past Olympics. It just brought tears to my eyes, & I'm more than thrilled. This will be forever." -LOGAN MAILE LEI TOM (Silver Medallist - 2008 Beijing & 2012 London Olympic Games, 2011 World Cup runner up, 2003 & 2007 World Cup 3rd place, 2002 World Champs runner up, 4-time World GrandPrix Champs)

    Russia takes 2nd set 25-19


    Goncharova is the serving target for the Italians but so far she has responded pretty well. Who I worry about is Sokolova. Her game has drastically changed, for worse of course.

    "[size=8]It's years and years of work and sacrifice and dedication. Along with a lot of these girls, we've sweat and we've bled and we've cried together in past Olympics. It just brought tears to my eyes, & I'm more than thrilled. This will be forever." -LOGAN MAILE LEI TOM (Silver Medallist - 2008 Beijing & 2012 London Olympic Games, 2011 World Cup runner up, 2003 & 2007 World Cup 3rd place, 2002 World Champs runner up, 4-time World GrandPrix Champs)

    yes, russia got the 2nd set. let's go Russia!

    This match is showing more clearly Italy's fragilities. If both teams play to their full capacities, Russia should win. But if Russia isn't too focused, Italy's good enough to make them pay for it.

    Quote from jist

    Russia takes 2nd set 25-19


    Goncharova is the serving target for the Italians but so far she has responded pretty well. Who I worry about is Sokolova. Her game has drastically changed, for worse of course.

    Agree. Estes might be no factor in Russia's offense, but she provides rock solid reception and defense. When Gamova and Goncharova both produce, Russia can afford having a non-scoring OH2.


    I believe that apart from USA-DOM, we won't see any 3 set QFs.

    I'm pissed reading all of the Turkish fans' speculation about game fixing between Korea and China.


    Can't we just give credit where credit is due? Korea and China beat Turkey fair and square. Whether Turkey qualifies or not for the quarters, Korea and China and even Brazil will reach the next stage by their own merit and not because of some game fixing allegations.

    "[size=8]It's years and years of work and sacrifice and dedication. Along with a lot of these girls, we've sweat and we've bled and we've cried together in past Olympics. It just brought tears to my eyes, & I'm more than thrilled. This will be forever." -LOGAN MAILE LEI TOM (Silver Medallist - 2008 Beijing & 2012 London Olympic Games, 2011 World Cup runner up, 2003 & 2007 World Cup 3rd place, 2002 World Champs runner up, 4-time World GrandPrix Champs)

    And there's the effects of Goncharova being goofy-footed. Her attacks most of the time are spectacular if she gets the right approach. But if its an out-of-system set, her effectiveness decreases so much.

    "[size=8]It's years and years of work and sacrifice and dedication. Along with a lot of these girls, we've sweat and we've bled and we've cried together in past Olympics. It just brought tears to my eyes, & I'm more than thrilled. This will be forever." -LOGAN MAILE LEI TOM (Silver Medallist - 2008 Beijing & 2012 London Olympic Games, 2011 World Cup runner up, 2003 & 2007 World Cup 3rd place, 2002 World Champs runner up, 4-time World GrandPrix Champs)

    What a match Lucia Bosetti is having.

    What a hit by Lucia Bosetti! If she was just 3-4 inches taller.. :wall:

    "[size=8]It's years and years of work and sacrifice and dedication. Along with a lot of these girls, we've sweat and we've bled and we've cried together in past Olympics. It just brought tears to my eyes, & I'm more than thrilled. This will be forever." -LOGAN MAILE LEI TOM (Silver Medallist - 2008 Beijing & 2012 London Olympic Games, 2011 World Cup runner up, 2003 & 2007 World Cup 3rd place, 2002 World Champs runner up, 4-time World GrandPrix Champs)

    Quote from jist

    I'm pissed reading all of the Turkish fans' speculation about game fixing between Korea and China.


    Can't we just give credit where credit is due? Korea and China beat Turkey fair and square. Whether Turkey qualifies or not for the quarters, Korea and China and even Brazil will reach the next stage by their own merit and not because of some game fixing allegations.

    :drink: :thumbsup:

    Quote from Matthias

    Agree. Estes might be no factor in Russia's offense, but she provides rock solid reception and defense. When Gamova and Goncharova both produce, Russia can afford having a non-scoring OH2.


    I believe that apart from USA-DOM, we won't see any 3 set QFs.


    I also think that it's the consequence of her leaving the NT. The team has more grown more accustomed to Estes. Sokolova appears to me as someone who doesn't fit with the team. She doesn't seem to bring confidence to the team like she did years ago. Sadly, I don't see her as a starting player anymore for the entire olympics. :( and I agree that Estes can be a non-scoring OH. The middles should compensate to her absence in attack only that Startseva is not using them like she did in Yeltsin Cup. :(

    Merkulova looks like Thaisa! :what: :what:

    "[size=8]It's years and years of work and sacrifice and dedication. Along with a lot of these girls, we've sweat and we've bled and we've cried together in past Olympics. It just brought tears to my eyes, & I'm more than thrilled. This will be forever." -LOGAN MAILE LEI TOM (Silver Medallist - 2008 Beijing & 2012 London Olympic Games, 2011 World Cup runner up, 2003 & 2007 World Cup 3rd place, 2002 World Champs runner up, 4-time World GrandPrix Champs)