1998 🇨🇺 Cuba vs China 🇨🇳 🏐 Women Volleyball 🏐 FIVB World Grand Prix

1998 was the most challenging year to Lang Ping during 95-98 coaching period. Captain Lai Yawen had hepatic disease and another middle blocker Wang Yi left the team. Li Yan and Wang Ziling level was dropping.
Post-Match Commentary :
In this match, 3 main players in China during 1995-97 line up off the court. But the 2004 Olympic gold medalist #15 Wang Lina (20yo, 1.81m) started her lineup journey in national team since this game. It was a hope to the team but it’s no choices not to train new players.
#8 Yin Yin (24yo, 1.84m) was in the lineup before but seem Lang Ping thought Wang Lina got more potential. Wang power and jumping height was really like a small version of Luis. Her attack style can be hammer but also can be versatile. She was the life saver in 1996 OG vs USA.
The best middle blocker in 90s Regla Torres didn't play in this WGP. She did play in BCV months ago but didn't in the 12 players roster. Get injured or coach tactics was a question mark to me. Even it's not their best form, Cuban monster attacks still made the opponent hard to win. In this match, Cuba still used one setter to set all the balls. #2 Costa (25yo, 1.77m) didn’t return the team until week 2. Cuba without many key players only 4 gold players remained made this match became a close one. But queen was still the queen even without Luis, Torres and Costa.

[@world3398]

Cuba 🇨🇺🇨🇺🇨🇺🙏🏻

[@SolobayashiVolley]

👍