Display MoreI don't think this is the proper topic for such talks, but anyway... some people can move it.
If we lose to Germany (which is possible) - we go to Russia in the 1/4s. Whatever you tell me - I don't see any way we can beat Russia unless Sokolov has a very good to monster game in serve and attack, Bratoev cuts the mistakes to minimum, our reception is stable and our serve is strong and stable all at the same time. For me, if this happens, it will be a semi-miracle. Even if we are not anxious and frustrated before the game, with positive attitude, I don't see how all of these factors will be present. Again, Russia for me is a bigger and stronger mirror image of Bulgaria and unless we play on 110% and they play below their 100% - we'll lose. (not saying Russia is unbeatable, but a difficult match-up for BG)
If we beat Germany, we go to Poland in the 1/4s where anything can happen as I said. 50/50, with the teams' emotional state, level of external pressure and the attitude with which they will enter the court the factors deciding the match. Then we go to a semi with Italy. So if we want to avoid Russia - we have to beat Germany, Poland, and Italy consecutively.
Therefore, if we want medals, we practically have to beat every single favourite ourselves. So the players would have to make the tournament of their lives, something like the Olympics, but harder because we add the accumulated pressure from fans, media, etc.
About the frendlies, I don't care about them at all. I'm not a member of Placci's staff, so I don't know what were his intentions. Actually, I'd be more worried if we won all of our friendlies.
The topic place is OK, I will leave it as it is due to the fact that we are still discussing outcomes of friendlies (to a certain extent). No need to flood the ECH section yet.
As I said, I only partly agree to the things you described. Bottom line of your comment is - we are dead as soon as we meet Russia and the draw is entirely guilty for that. Excuse me if I misinterpreted what you wanted to imply, but I can't find anything else and lost the idea behind the comment at some point. Don't get me wrong, I agree with the predictions about Germany, Poland and the rest, but I am trying to connect what you say with putting the blame on the "draw". If there has been any.
First, Russia might not enjoy a great tournament after all, just like they didn't two and four years ago, respectively. Second, it might be the case that neither Bulgaria, nor Russia wins the group. Third, it might be the case that Poland doesn't win its group. Fourth, if they are that scared of Russia, as I said yesterday, avoid them in the quarters, beat another team and there you go. OK, we won't face The Netherlands, for example, there is Poland waiting there, but it might be France just as well. Would it be the draw to blame again? Last, if we cannot beat Germany (nothing against Germany, they are a good team), then we are not ready for medals. As simple as that! Just like the failure against Slovakia two years ago. Criticized or not, Anastasi avoided Russia and got the bronze. So, there is always a way!
QuoteTherefore, if we want medals, we practically have to beat every single
favourite ourselves. So the players would have to make the tournament of
their lives, something like the Olympics, but harder because we add the
accumulated pressure from fans, media, etc.
Not quite! Russia can be avoided, it that's what everyone wants. With a single great match against Poland (or France), we can get to the semis. They don't have to play each game at 100% to reach that phase, one single game would be enough, but we know theoretically they will play 100% every time. I don't think there is that much pressure right now, they haven't won a medal in years, I don't feel there is pressure piling up. And yes, quite often you have to make the tournament of your life to get at least on the podium, it goes like that