Football is the most popular sport in Peru and probably in the world. It gathers crowds, unleashes passions, attracts audiences around the planet, and generates hundreds of millions of dollars, being one of the fastest growing industries in recent times.
However, despite winning 2 Copa America titles in 1939 and 1975, participating in 5 FIFA World Cups in Uruguay 1930, Mexico 70, Argentina 78, Spain 82, and Russia 2018, and experiencing many glorious moments in national soccer, and the emotions of these years under the technical direction of Professor Ricardo Gareca, volleyball has been the team sport that has given our country the greatest satisfaction.
These days, we are recalling 35 years of one of the most memorable performances of our volleyball team: their participation in the 1988 Seoul Olympics. We were in Group B along with Brazil, China, and the United States. The first game was against the Brazilian team, who, at that time, aspired, at best, to win a set against us, which they did not achieve and we won with a resounding 3-0 (15-11 / 15-12 / 15-3).
The second game was against the reigning world champion and two-time Olympic champion, the powerful Chinese team. With great difficulty, they won the first set 15-13. Remember that, with the previous scoring system, the winning of each point could be eternal because first the ball was recovered and if it was won consecutively, then the point was made. The Chinese were surprised when we returned the second set with a similar 15-13 score. The reigning champions came out strong and won the third set with a clear 15-7. When the game seemed to be taking a predictable course, the Peruvian girls showed their spirit and won the fourth set 15-12.
The Seoul Coliseum exploded with every Peruvian point, as it seemed like a home game due to the rivalry between Asian teams and the small group of Peruvians who cheered with all their hearts. The fifth set flowed easily for the Chinese, who reached 14-8. With 8 match points in their favor, the game seemed to be resolved. And there came the great feat, fighting point by point, ball by ball, the Peruvian team managed to turn the game around and win 16-14. China did not score another point and Peru achieved what was perhaps the most important victory in its history.
The third game was against another powerful team, the United States. The American team took advantage of the fatigue of the Peruvian players, who were tired and fell behind by 0-2 in the first sets. What happened next? Peru won the following 3 sets consecutively 3-2 (15-4 / 15 -5 / 15-9). Categorical. Convincing.
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