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

1998 proved the most difficult year for Lang Ping’s coaching career spanning 1995 to 1998. Captain Lai Yawen was diagnosed with liver disease and another middle blocker, Wang Yi, departed the team. Furthermore Li Yan and Wang Ziling’s performances were declining. Post-match commentary: Three key players from China’s 1995–1997 squad were unavailable for this match. However, 2004 Olympic gold medallist No. 15 Wang Lina made her national team debut as a starter. With the veteran players out, new blood was needed. #8 Yin Yin (24, 1.83m) had been on the roster before but Lang Ping seems to favour #15 Wang Lina (20, 1.81m). Wang Lina’s power and vertical leap are reminiscent of a smaller Cuba's Luis. Her attacking style is aggressive but also versatile. She was a key player in the 1996 Olympic match against the US. #10 Regla Torres, the best middle blocker of the 1990s, missed this World Grand Prix. She played in the BCV a few months ago but wasn’t included in the 12-player roster. Whether this was due to injury or coaching strategy is unclear. Despite their lack of form, Cuba’s powerful attacks still pose a challenge. The team relies on a single setter, #2 Costa (25, 1.77m), who joined the team only the second week. With so many key players missing and only four gold medallists remaining, this match was incredibly close. Even without Luis, Torres, and Costa, the “Queens” remain formidable.