Last night I was sent on an undercover mission to exchange video with our neighbors to the north. We met at a location at one of the hotels and the exchange began with swapping little black boxes full of video. Lalo, our now newly named associate head coach drove me. I felt like I was in a spy movie. The reason for the exchange was that Canada is in the other pool and the pools crossover today in the playoffs. Everyone is now in must win situations.

Our coaching staff pours over the video looking for any slight edge in our match tonight. They present the players with a very detailed game plan. This is where the game becomes very mental. The USA players process lots of information and hopefully it will put them in the right spot at the right time.

Following the team video session the team breaks out into three position groups. The middles review blocking schemes and Argentina hitter tendencies. The outsides and libero review the servers from Argentina. And the setters go over the game plan and how to exploit our opponent tonight, who is Argentina.

Lalo, at my request, brought homemade tortillas today for the team to have at lunch. They were still warm. I think the players enjoyed a little home cooking. We had a great practice yesterday, so hopefully the team will unleash tonight on Argentina.

Buenos noches. John