Tokyo, Japan, December 1, 2007: Comments from the official FIVB press conference after the USA-Argentina game on Saturday.

USA

Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon: Argentina is a very talented young team. We came into this match with a pretty strong mindset about the level that we had to bring to the court to compete today. Our guys have been really great in taking this thing one day at a time and preparing for the opponent we have on a given day, playing tactically and executing skills at a high level. Argentina has been a handful for a lot of teams.

Captain Thomas Hoff: I think we came out with a great level of execution in all aspects of our game. Defensively we were extremely efficient. Both sides, offense and defense, were very good. It was nice to do that right before our last match, and hopefully we can continue that tomorrow.

Reid Priddy: I agree. I think we got off to a good start defensively and that kind of helped us maintain the momentum. We are looking to continue that tomorrow. (On the points ratio for the three Olympic places): First and foremost we try and win the match, but we are very conscious of the FIVB points ratio system. This close to the end of the tournament we are as a team fighting as hard for every point.

Argentina

Head Coach Jon Uriarte: I think in the last round of this competition we are facing our limits against the stronger teams. It is a new step for our team. We have had quite a good tournament but now we are looking, when we face these difficulties, which players come in from the bench have a strong mentality to change the rhythm of the game. It is an opportunity to find out the extremes of the whole group. I think USA played a really interesting match again, working really smart from their service and creating problems for our offence.

Guillermo Garcia: USA is a really strong team. They have a strong defence and good side-out. Their block-defense worked really well today. (On Argentina’s motivation): I feel that we did our best but USA played a really good way. It was difficult to match their game.