Preliminary Phase POOL B

Cuba-Germany

It was a good start for the Volley Queens as they overpowered Germany, beating them in straight sets  25-17, 25-18, 25-18.  Russia on the other hand, needed 5 sets to finish off the Germans in their last prelim match. 

Cuba-Russia

This match determined the winner of Pool B. Cuba lost to Russia in 5 sets. They won the first 25-20, lost the second 21-25. The third set went Cuba's way 25-21. Unfortunately they fell on the 4th set, getting thrashed 12- 25. Eventually, Russia won the 5th set 15-13.  This match however, was actually a blessing in disguise as Cuba was set up with Croatia in the quarter-finals, whereas Russia had to fight with China. 

Cuba-Korea

After their defeat to Russia, the Caribbean girls pulled themselves up to squash Korea 25-17, 25-13, 25-15. Even Korea's good defence was no match for the Cubans athletic spiking.

Cuba- Italy

25-18, 25-21, 25-20 --  Not surprisingly !!

Cuba- Peru

A slow first set for the girls, losing 23-25. After that little "warm-up", they went on to thrash Peru 25-12, 25-16 and 25-16.

Quarter-Finals: Cuba-Croatia

The Croatian team depended on Barbara Jelic for their attacks, as usual. She was fantastic, but they certainly needed more than one person to beat the Cubans. However, the Cubans made many unforced errors. They closed the first set 25-18, but went to 25-23 and 25-21 in the following 2 sets.

Semi-Finals: Cuba-Brazil

Highlight of the Sydney 2000 !!!! This time minus the problems. This is the best match to watch of this Olympics, a very close fight between two very good teams. The greater team eventually became the winner !!!

 The Cubans started slow in the first set, but managed to catch up. Unfortunately, they were pulled to a deuce by their mistakes, causing them to lose that set 29-27. I thought the second set was over for them as they were trailing throughout the beginning. However, after the automatic time-out at 9-16, the Cubans pulled their act together and went on to score 9 points in a row. The Brazilians called a time-out as they were now 2 points behind the Cubans. After that time-out Brazil scored a point as Taimarys Aguero's block fell one inch out. No worries though coz the girls continued their winning streak, and they won the set 25-19. They only let 3 points go : Tai's block went out, Torres' serve went long and one of Virna's spike touch Tai's fingers. 

The 9 straight points happened during my favourite rotation : Costa's difficult flat floating serve --  Regla Bell, Torres and Aguero in the front -- Yumilka & Fernandez back-court. The 3 girls in front were stuffing out every spike by the Brazilians, Torres in particular at her 100%. Yumilka's stable digging enabled them to continue the rallies, Costa's good setting had 3 wonderful options.

They lost the third set 21-25, but again played well to win the 4th set 25-19. What a nail-biting match !!! The 5th set would determine who would proceed to the Finals. I was afraid that the Cubans would yet again start of the set slowly. Thank goodness they had picked up enough rhythm from the previous sets, and they left the Brazilians trailing behind. They won that 15-9. Yumilka finished up the match with a high outside spike. The Cubans ran and hugged in the middle of the court, kneeling on the floor. Yumi was still celebrating her spike and was left out of the early hug. All the subs ran on to the court. Emotions ran high, it was almost as if they had won the finals !! I felt quite sorry for the Brazilian team, Leila in particular coz she was streaming tears. That match was worthy of the Gold medal, with Brazil totally deserving the silver. 

Finals: Cuba-Russia

It was time to defend their gold medal.

This match was actually more worrying coz they lost the first 2 sets with very close scores.  They were actually leading in the first set 24-21. Bell served out and from then, the Russians caught up. The strong serving of Godina and Sokolova really troubled the Cubans. Yumilka Ruiz made a huge mistake of spiking wide, she was trying a steep cross-court. The set ended with a bad reception of Morozova's (i think) serve. 27-25.

The 2nd set lasted long, right up to 34-32. Both teams were at equal standard. Again, Russia's serving troubled the Cuban defence. The following sets really needed full concentration. One mistake and they might lose the entire match. I was so anxious, shouting for each and every score. Thank goodness, they won the 3rd and 4th set. They were simply AMAZING. Yumilka was the star, her spiking was unblockable. The Russians sent 3 blockers to her, but she would always be right on top of them. Fernandez however, was not so efficient against the good Russian blockers. Maybe due to the lack of jump height. Taimarys' super jump serves also distressed the Russians.

In the fifth set, the Cubans took an early lead. I celebrated the 10th to 12th point like crazy.  The point margin was simply too wide. By then, it was certain that the Cubans had gotten the gold medal as it was impossible for Russia to catch up. I don't think Russia can copy Cuba's semi-final feat of 9 points in a row !!! Torres finished it off with her slide hit to the line. 15-7 !!!!

Woo hoo !!! The celebration on their side of the court was.... gosh, I don't have the vocabulary for it !!! Basically, they were just jumping around, hugging, crying. It was terrific !!! The Cubans have written Olympic history. They are the first volleyball team to have won 3 Olympic golds in a row. Hope they make it 4 or 5 !!!

According to stats, Cuba is the best attacking team, and 3rd best blocking team. Torres was the top spiker, followed by Yumilka. Torres was also the 2nd best blocker behind Danielle Scott (USA).