Volleyball…Beijing 2008

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When I see the Peruvian Volleyball team playing in Japan, each time I remember two peculiar story.

The first one is bounded at the most thrilling Olympic final ever played. During the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, the gold medal match was played between USSR and Peru.

At that time, the Volleyball was still using the old scoring system. It was necessary to score when the team is serving to get a point, otherwise the team earns only the right to serve (side out).

The South Americans squad, after defeating former medallists China, the United States and Japan, met the powerful Soviets in the final. Peru opened a shocking two sets to none lead and was in front, 12-6, in game three. The USSR ultimately prevailed, 17-15 in the deciding fifth set in one of the longest matches ever.

A very interesting fact I found out on the World Cup Website. Peru have actually won the South American Continental Championships 12 times, only 3 behind Brazil. With Brazil’s recent dominance amongst teh World greats its something I certainly wouldn’t have picked. Peru will not challenge for a top 3 place in the World Cup, but they certainty have a history of Volleyball in their country and with a new coach ill be looking to create some more.