Russian NT 2021

    It's official.


    Maxim is our second father. :obey:

    Favorite players: M: Maxim Mikhaylov, Murilo, Serginho, Aaron Russell, Otavio, Simone Giannelli, Ivan Zaytsev, Tsvetan Sokolov, Michał Kubiak, Mariusz Wlazly, Pawel Zagummy W: Sheilla, Zhu Ting, Natalia, Fe Garay, Fofao, Gabi, Thaisa, Foluke Akinradewo, Wei Qiuyue, Ding Xia, Carli Lloyd, Fabi, Natalia Goncharova, Yuko Sano, Saoris Kimura and Sakoda


    #FreeBritney

    Quote from kittosuni

    I wonder if they should start Kurkaev instead of Volvich in the finals.

    They should. Volvich is just a loophole in the block and France loves to do pipe attacks

    Good victory!


    It is great to see they've worked their flaws. It is clear the serve is more constant and most importantly the reception is WAY better.


    Sammelvuo also deserves praise for his subs!


    As for the final I hope Kobzar uses the pipe and the middles a bit more.

    Neither Volvich, nor Kurkaev are really playing that well, just average.

    I hope Sammelvuo's result during the past club season of 'always the bridesmaid, never the bride' does not translate in tomorrow's Finals.. Russia really deserves to win the Gold but it will not be easy since France beat them twice in the same month.

    Quote from inc0gnito

    I hope Sammelvuo's result during the past club season of 'always the bridesmaid, never the bride' does not translate in tomorrow's Finals.. Russia really deserves to win the Gold but it will not be easy since France beat them twice in the same month.

    Yeah thrice this season he ended at 2nd place. But, I trust our boys to do the job. Afterall, it was Brizard who was his club's playmaker, so they would be familiar with how he makes his plays (if Brizard is to play the finals match)

    Such a heartbreak loss.


    Although the team exceeded my expectations, I still hoped they win it all.


    Good thing is this team minus Mikhailov, all the players will be in their prime come Paris 2024. With couple of very promising players in the pipe line.

    Russia will have practically have the same roster minus Mikhaylov and Volvich for Paris 2024. I expect Pankov to be the main setter I hope he will have improved on the accuracy of his setting lol. Also hoping Ilya Fedorov will be the team's main libero by that time.

    I think Maxim can still play with NT until the home WCH next year, that's the only medal that's missing from his resume (and Russia has yet to win).

    Quote from inc0gnito

    I think Maxim can still play with NT until the home WCH next year, that's the only medal that's missing from his resume (and Russia has yet to win).

    I think he is much needed for WCH. I don't think anyone ready to take that Opp, looking at how great Mikha can play until now.

    Quote from sandianando

    What do you guys think about Mikha playing until 2024? He will be 36 tho.

    I would say it's not REALLY totally out of the picture,but even today due to I think his age he has a lot of inconsistencies in his game even a year makes a lot of difference.

    Quote from akitoakie

    Should have put Kobzar back in. Pankov have been imprecise and he made Russia’s biggest weapon - the MBs - seem like a non threat.

    Pankov IMO is overrated, yes he has an excellent serve and good block, but setting should be your most important skill as a setter :gone:

    Quote from kittosuni

    I really like how he elevated the game of the 94-95 born guys.

    This is Russia's golden generation. They still have chance to get Olympic Gold in Paris. I think Poletaev needs to be Russia's main Opp after WCH onwards so he have this experience as he always played in Maxim's shadow