After 1998, China and Brazil standard was dropping. Lang Ping left and Brazilian players getting old. Being an audience perspective, it was quite boring for most of the games during 1999-2000. But Cuba and Russia still maintain the highest level in volleyball history. These two teams if time travel to nowadays, they can still beat any teams.
This series mainly for older volleyball fans for memories sake. I not intend to upload any 2000 games initially. Cuba, Russia, South Korea are only teams I recommend to watch. Especially South Korea, 99-00 was their peak with all 170-78 height players.
Post-Match Commentary :
Japan failed to enter Olympic and head coach left and assistant coach to lead in WGP. Japan in 2000 was the worst in history (similar to 1997). Tajimi & Eto experienced middle blockers no longer in the lineup but it didn't improve the weakness of middle position in Nippon.
This was the final round and rule was 5-8th rank team in preliminary round will fight for the 5-8th position. USA rank the 5th and Japan rank the 8th. Nippon was 0W9L in preliminary round. Without head coach and cannot go Olympic, the purpose of this tournament was meaningless to Japan. More like they travel instead of playing.
Another legend of USA team, #15 Logan Tom (19yo, 1.84m) just graduated in university and it's her first year in national team. She was already lineup player. After 1999, #13 Tara-Cross Battle (32yo, 1.8m) and #2 Danielle Scott (28yo, 1.88m) rejoined the team, prepared to play in Olympic. In the 1st set, Japan made many mistakes as well as USA. But mistakes made by Nippon were more fatal and they unable to block any American attacks.