To me, 90s volleyball games were the best. Cuba, Russia, Brazil, China, USA, South Korea, Japan, Italy were top 8 women volleyball teams. By that time most players were all rounded since yet to introduce Libero until 1998. Games were intense and more rally.
World Grand Prix in 90s standard was high (vs Vnl now) since less leagues and matches. Players have more time to prepare WGP. Especially 90s was Cuba dynasty. 9 consecutive champion in world class tournament but WGP wasn’t their best form always.
Post-Match Commentary :
This was the 4th week held in Hong Kong. Russia beat down China and USA and will get the final round ticket if win Netherlands. In that week, Russians performance were outstanding especially their 1st pass and defence. #12 Tatyana Grachova (23yo, 1.8m) became the main setter and didn't get substituted by #3 anymore. The cooperation between her and teammates were getting better and better.
Netherlands beat down USA twice including Olympic and WGP. They may not as strong as China team but some of the players played very good. #12 Elles Leferink (20yo, 1.76m) became the key player in Dutch squad since 1996. Her service power was very strong and made very few errors. #4 Erna Brinkman (24yo, 1.84m) was another key scorer in the team. But Russian was the European champion in 90s. They got the tallest and powerful hammer #8 Artamonova (21yo, 1.9m) & #6 Godina (19yo, 1.9m) in the world. Dutch girls unable to get pass over Russia Wall by that time.
