That's four decades of dominance. The Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, U.S., Colombia, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Taiwan and Nicaragua. It wasn't just one team falling short year after year. Japan has also knocked on the door. Canada is getting better.
European teams are is slowly getting better.
But nobody could beat the Cubans in the final of a major international tournament. When asked if he could recall the last time his team of sluggers was shut out in a major international game, Borges paused, rolled his eyes, shook his head, cleared his throat, shrugged his shoulders, lifted his cap, scratched his forehead and gave up. You know I have a very good memory, but I don't remember that. It may well have happened. The core of the Cuban team will need replenishing in time for the Athens Games.