MATCH INFO

Hamamatsu, Japan, May 19, 2012, Press Conference, Russia vs Japan - Defending World League champions Russia was pushed to five sets by an energized Japan, but in the end were pleased to walk away victorious. But the Russian squad was both impressed and surprised with Japan’s performance today.

Russia coach Sergio Busato: "For our team today was a hard match. Traditionally Japanese volleyball is good digging, very skilled with good tactics. Today Japan’s team staff worked very well because all our mistakes were the product of good tactics from Japan. So I congratulate them for this. Our team is tired because yesterday we had a tough match against Serbia. Today we were down a little physically. We made lots of big mistakes in serving and attacking. today for Russia, lots of mistakes But convenient for Japan ready for london. If they play with digging and blocking like today, they could qualify for London."

Russia captain Konstantin Ushakov: "Today was very difficult for us, and we were surprised that Japan could control the game so well. The win is important, but we can do better than today’s game. It’s still a good step for us. But I’m surprised Japan has become such a strong team."

Japan coach Tatsuya Ueta: "Our strategy for blocking, digging, and receiving against the strong Russian team worked well. Our transition from tossing to attacking, and especially our side blocking needs to improve for the next game."

Japan player Yoshihiko Matsumoto: "As my captain says we should have done better, but we can be happy about competing with such a strong team. We can do better in block and receiving. But we need to play better from now on. We have good motivation from yesterday to play together, unified to win. Yesterday [against Cuba] we were a little fragmented in a way, emotionally high on an individual level, but we still lacked unity in that match. In today’s game we tried to communicate better, and improve combinations between receiving and blocking."

Japan captain Takahiro Yamamoto: "After our team won two to one set, finally we played a five set match but lost. It’s good that we showed what we can do. We can prepare for tomorrows game now. All we can to is prepare as best we can, and try to play better tomorrow. We can do better in block and receiving combinations, but ultimately the aim is to get a good result. It’s up to our three attackers."

Was there any change from yesterday: "Before this game we promised to encourage each other and support each other until the very last minute."