i think its not the first time sokolova refuses to play (maybe is not just tiredness and russia doesnt want to show full force in japan, but now with cuba things will get a bit harder for russia )... one of the reasons i like gamova is that she always plays any tournament, any game for nt
Yes. This is exactly what i had in mind. Gamova played Grand Prix and also European Championships last year. I can imagine her fatigue could be double than that of Sokolova.
Come on, people. Please stop guessing/writing about Poland/Germany/Kenia
Cuba will go to Japan, and if not Puerto Rico will. That's it
True. It only adds to the heartbreak of the teams, and fans as well. Nothing worse than a false hope proven to be... false.
Why would they be going instead of Puerto Rico? It just sounds like a lot of wishful thinking.
Yes, that's pretty much like it. It all started when Cuba wouldn't go to Japan because of insufficient funds but it looks like Norceca is going to do something about it.
I mailed Liuba now, and she said its true that she will not play in Tokyo
This is tragic news for Russian NT, I dont know what to say.
What!? No Sokolova? Seriously? Seems like Russia's chances of going to London are getting slimmer and slimmer. and if the rumors are true that GER or POL will go to Japan qualification instead of Cuba or Puerto Rico, their hopes are almost down the drain. 
Can someone tell me what happen with Kuzyutkin? Did he die or what? Why he is not Russia NT coach?
Kuzyutkin's contract expired last year and he did not renew. This is just my guess, but I think it was because of the failures of Russian NT last year. Pls correct me if I'm wrong.
Nelly Alisheva is a MB player, and she is not so young.
I agree with you, Russia NT needs an OH with excellent reception. What happen with Kosheleva? I think she's and outstanding player, but her nerves are playing against her. It happened at WCH final, and it's happening again.
yes, you're right. and it's preventing her from showing her true potential. But a few more years in NT could solve that 
Nelly Alisheva plays as a OPP, she is 28-29 yrs. old, having her best season now so far in her carrer.
Tatiana Kosheleva got a back injury, and played with pain killers in the matches in EQT. She has problems with her nerves, but maybe it will be better, she is only 23.
If not Makhno, how about Scherban? If the coach can take alisheva lacking in NT experience, why not Scherban? Do you have any idea who else can fill in for Kosheleva? about the MBs, I'm not quite impressed with their performances in European qualification. Maybe Moroz could perform better than them. I also wish that Startseva would use the MBs a bit more often in attack so as to give variation to Russia's attacks. Lastly, Ulanova as main libero! 
Thanks for the info, anton!. Keep us posted! I'm impressed with how well informed you are with the Russian NT 
Congrats to Turkey! This is a milestone for them. I was rooting for Russia to win this tournament but having learned that this is more than just participating in OG for Turkish women, I kinda felt sympathetic to their aim. Hopefully with this win, women in Turkey will get what they deserve.
Other teams who complained that they were robbed of points with the controversial calls by the judges, but in the end, it's their poor performances that really robbed them of their chances in this competitions and of course, Turkey's amazing performance and determination.
I heard from anton1989 that Nelly alisheva will be joining the team as backup opp to Gamova and Goncharova will switch to OH. as much as I like Nataliya, I think she would put a huge risk to Russia's reception. I'm thinking that instead of calling alisheva, why not an OH with good reception? Don't know when will Makhno recover, but if she did before the olympics, she's the best alternative.
Kosheleva is important to the team so I'm hoping for her fast recovery and rise to form before the olympics. I think the team is good enough to secure the olympic qualification in Japan without her, but it will be more difficult for the team when they play in London.
What do you guys think?
That is based on FIVB ranking in January. It is true.
Considering of course that Brazil will get the South american spot, and Russia and Serbia will go through world qualification.
I see. Thanks for informing. I thought GBR would determine the pools composition.
Someone asked about Olympic Games pool composition. Here You are:
A- GBR, JPN, ITA, RUS, DOM, ALG
B- USA, BRA, CHN, SRB, TUR, KOR/THA.
How true is this? Do you have any links for your info? If ever true, Pool B is tougher!
Feel sorry for Poland. Only to lose after coming this far. Still, they have talented players. Skorupa will continue to be an invaluable asset to the team.
What happened to the team that emerged victorious from the toughest pool? 
Tatiana Kosheleva has a injury, thats the reason for her bad perfomance, and its pretty serious, but we will only know how in some days when the MRI have been done in Moscow.
what a time for injury! I hope it's not that serious and she'll be able to participate and perform well in the olympics.
If Cuba don't win this, it'll be harder for them to in Japan 
Thanks for the stats, Kondzio! Hats off to your hardwork
although still, the Line Judges should have been impartial for a more convincing win for Turkey and to avoid controversial accusations such as this.
There's no need for Gamova to sour grape. They still have a shot at the Olympics in Japan, and they have better chances there. Too bad for them that they won't be having that much-coveted rest.
Hmmm... there are some bad calls by the linesmen but i don't think it's the main reason for the loss. Russia just faltered in the last 2 sets of the game.
With this accusation, will Fenerbahce still pursue with transferring Gamova?
Exactly.sometimes because of that feeling ,giving up watching volleyball matches passes through my mind just to avoide that stress....
I do that too haha. Or sometimes, watch replays of the team's winning matches. Right now, I want to watch Brazil vs Russia 2010 WCH Gold Medal match 
Volleyball matches can be so full of emotions sometimes, even for spectators like us. Your team wins and it bliss. 
If they lose, it's such a huge downer.
