Tokyo (Japan)

As I did at the end of the Women World Cup today, just before leaving Japan, I’ll give an evaluation about the teams that participated at the 2007 Men’s World Cup.

Below you can see the final standings and, on the right, my personal judgment on the teams’ performances.

+ means that they played BETTER than I expected

= means that they played EXACTLY as I expected

- means that they played WORSE than I expected


* During the 2007 World Cup, I didn’t see any match of Spain, Puerto Rico and Egypt because I was following the other Group. Therefore, my judgment on this three teams, relies only on the results and few images I have watched in television.

Of course, if anyone of you disagree with my opinion, be so kind to send your reasons by e-mail (mailto Andrea Zorzi)

Yesterday, as soon as Brazil got the qualification to the next Olympic Games winning with Russia, I wrote my opinion about this amazing and extraordinary teams (CLIC HERE).

Today I focus on the other three teams that fought until the end to earn the remaining two berths to Beijing.


BULGARIA

After eight years, Bulgaria comes back to the Olympic Games. They have participated at this 2007 World Cup thanks to a Wild Card and they exploited this opportunity at best.
Against Argentina, they easily won showing their usual skills in serving and attacking. Now, they have to improve their approach to the game enhancing their consistency and enthusiasm avoiding any lapsing concentration. If they will succeed, they could actually be considered one of the favorite teams in the next Olympic Games.

And to explain which is the feeling of Bulgarians fans I publish an e-mail I received yesterday.


…I just want to share my opinion about the Bulgarian team performance and the Bulgarian people perception of it. For me personally, this team is an inspiration for all the people who are fighting here everyday to achieve their goal. Yes, we are a small country and that is why such a team make us very proud of them!
When the guys won the third place in the 2006 World Championship, there was a special ceremony, where they were awarded by the President of Bulgaria. But I think the best reward was the hall, standing up and making noise trying to express their gratitude! I will never forget that evening, nor the guys' faces.
Yes, the audience, the people, the national anthem....all of this might add even more pressure, especially on the young players, but this is how a great player is growing up - most of all as a national fighter, a real lion. And I think this is the difference between our Football and our Volleyball - the Volleyball players are far from the money making machines brains and that is why we love them and support them, no matter whether they are losing or winning.
…about the interview with Matey Kaziyski! We are almost at the same age....and one more time I would say that he, the guys, the team, the spirit are an example and an inspiration for all the young people in our developing country!

A Bulgarian Volleyball fan


Russia

Before the match they were unconfident after two defeats in a row. During the fourth set, when US team was leading 2-1 sets, they were unquestionably scared. At that point, one more time the serve was the Russian key to the victory.
They got the qualification to Beijing, but they played by far under their possibilities. They seem unable to play balancing the different fundamentals and lost, when a rally lasts more than the time necessary to pass, set and hit.
In Russia, the FIVB motto “Keep the ball flying” is totally unknown.
The Russian coach Alekno risks to be sacked because of the poor Russian performances as a team, though he leaded his team to the second place in this World Cup.
They will play the Olympic Games but if they want to fight for the gold medal, they have to change their path quickly.


U.S.A.

I have a high respect for the US Volleyball team. As I have already written many times, McCutcheon’s team is standard talented, but their remarkable ability to take advantage of any situation make them a model to follow. They are patient when necessary, fully motivated in digging and never give up. During the match, you’ll never see an American player with a discouraged expression. Until the very last point, they are thoroughly focused on the game and when they leave the court, as happened today after the defeat with Russia, they can be displeased but without any regret.

Bye bye andrea zorzi

Tomorrow I’ll fly back to Italy and FOLLOW ME will stop until the next International tournament, but before leaving, I have prepared a surprise for all of you.

See you tomorrow.