VOLLEYBALL

Japan outclassed by China at World Grand Prix

Sunday 23rd August, 05:01 AM JST

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15 Comments

NeilWarnock at 09:02 AM JST - 23rd August

well done China. Great competitors with more class and humility than the Japanese could ever try to muster. Bravo!
Sarge at 11:10 AM JST - 23rd August

It's difficult for a team with an average 176 cm height to beat a team with an average 186 cm height, but Japan nearly took the second set, losing it 25-23. I guess if the height advantage was the other way around, the Chinese wouldn't have scored more than 15 points in any set.

The Brazilians' average height is 184. They'll use it in their attempt to whip the Japanese, who actually took a set from them the last time they played.
mushroomcloud at 11:47 AM JST - 23rd August

why can't japan then simply find taller players? Are you implying that most japanese are too short?
NeilWarnock at 12:10 PM JST - 23rd August

I agree with mushroomcloud. More pathetic excuses for crap Japnaese performances and that.
ojbbstance at 12:23 PM JST - 23rd August

Height was not the only factor. The Chinese were more competitive, had more zeal and had more power in the back. The Japanese had tall players, but they seem cumbersome and were too intimidated by the Chinese. Give credit where credit is due. If height was the only thing, Japan could beat teams like Thailand and Taiwan because of their height too.
Pukey2 at 07:57 PM JST - 23rd August

Oh Sarge, I just knew we'd back on this 'height advantage' topic again. As mushroom says, either shut up and play or just find taller people. There is nothing to stop the coach from using taller players, but I guess he chooses who he thinks is the better player.

I was looking forward to seeing Japan try and give China a run for their money, seeing that JPN beat NED, who had previously beaten CHN. But, alas, they couldn't even get a set off China. I have a feeling that China is the last team they'd want to be beaten by.

It's good that Japan is hosting the finals because they barely scraped through the preliminary rounds (5-4) and yet were always guaranteed a spot in the finals.

With Brazil facing Japan tonight, I'd say Brazil has already won the tournament.
Sarge at 09:04 PM JST - 23rd August

"Find taller people"

Um, the Japanese volleyball players are about as tall as they're going to find.

"Brazil has already won the tournament"

The Brazilians may get the biggest surprise of their haughty lives tonight.
Sarge at 09:42 PM JST - 23rd August

The Brazilians managed to squeak out the first set 25-21 after trailing for most of it. And they're trailing set 2 3-2...
Sarge at 09:42 PM JST - 23rd August

Make that 4-2.
opposite13 at 09:59 PM JST - 23rd August

"Um, the Japanese volleyball players are about as tall as they're going to find"

Ummm, Sarge, you're wrong. We've been over and over and over this. I spent three months scouting V.League (Japan's joke of a domestic pro league) and rest assured, there are literally dozens of 190cm+ Japanese players there, including several tall setters to replace poor old Grandma Takeshita (who all alone takes down JPN's average height by at least 10cm). The problem is that for some bizarre reason, the JVA continues to prevent these tall players from honing their skills in the vastly superior Brazilian and Italian leagues.

BTW has anyone noticed that JT has already posted results for this match?!? Brazil wins. Big surprise.
Sarge at 10:16 PM JST - 23rd August

The taller "invincible" Brazilians just lost set 2.

opposite - You're confusing Brazil with China.
opposite13 at 10:18 PM JST - 23rd August

Sarge, have a look:

http://www.japantoday.com/category/sports/view/brazil-beats-japan-to-win-world-grand-prix
opposite13 at 10:25 PM JST - 23rd August

...unless, Sarge, you want to watch me miraculously call the next two sets: 25-19, 25-19 Brazil! OMG I'm psychic!
Sarge at 10:41 PM JST - 23rd August

I've never seen a volleyball team get so lucky in all my...

OK,OK, the Brazilians played superbly. The Japanese took a set from them, which few teams have done. Guaranteed if the Japanese had the same height advantage, the Brazilians wouldn't have scored more than 20 points in any set.

Someone, anyone, please beat these Brazilians...

Moderator: Please discuss this game on the relevant thread.
ebisen at 09:43 AM JST - 25th August

I just love the Japanese television, which before every match presented every opponent team as "the monster our tiny, nice Japanese ladies has to beat".