Greatest Volleyball Match Of All Time

On Wednesday night I had the pleasure of watching a Champions League match between Trento and Kedzierzyn Kozle.  I say pleasure because it really was.  I am a big Champions League but the games in the early rounds are often a bit difficult to predict.  Because of difficulties of juggling multiple competitions and travel plans that would make an average AFL player’s mind explode just trying to comprehend (if Melbourne – Perth is considered a tough trip, I’m not sure exactly how to describe Zory – Kazan, to name just one), teams don’t always play every match flat out.  This game was an exception.  Kedzierzyn played out of their trees for the whole match and Trento took every punch and returned it with interest.  The quality of play was great.  The commitment was great.  The rallies were spectacular.  It might be the best volleyball match ever played in December (i.e. not in a playoffs or in an international big tournament), and it is definitely the best match I have seen for a few years.  You can watch the match for yourself here.  You might want to turn the commentary down.

Having said all that, the best match of all time is still the Netherlands – Italy Olympic final from 1996.  Two star packed teams, both at the absolute peak of the powers, playing at their best form.  You can count the unforced errors on one hand.  Oh, the stories I have heard about this match that I would love to write (but won’t).  Needless to say, but just in case, the Olympic final next year will, with 100% certainty, NOT be as good as this match.

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