MATCH INFO

Hamamatsu, Japan, May 20, 2012 - Press Conference, Serbia vs Japan - Home side Japan were handed their second five-set loss in a row, losing to Serbia after it held a 2-1 lead. But Serbia had a boost from their young players today, and managed to walk away victors.

Serbia coach Igor Kolakovic: “I’d like to congratulate the Japan team. Today our approach to game wasn’t good. We played first two or three sets without energy. But fortunately we have young players who have positive energy, and we played with great soul in the fourth and fifth. We managed a victory because of our young, talented players.”

On two opposites Aleksandar Atanasijevic and Sasa Starovic: “Starovic was injured all last year, and we have been patient with him. Aleksandar has positive energy, but he’s young and a very fun guy, and he likes to win every time.”

Serbia captain Bojan Janic: “We are happy for this victory. It was a difficult match and I’m personally very happy that our young players did well, gave us new energy - I’m happy for them all. It was good tournament for us, a good first group. I hope in every match we ca be better and better.”

Serbia player Aleksandar Atanasijevic: This was a difficult match for us. We were losing 2-1 and had to play better, and stronger to win. Japan will be our biggest opponent in Olympic qualifying. And it is important for us psychologically to win. The next time we meet we know how strong they are, and we can put forth an even strong effort next time we meet.

Japan coach Tatsuya Ueta: “Fuku and Yamamoto team lost some points during important phases of game. Everyone was under deep pressure, in a difficult situation. But I think because they experienced this, I think in future games we will benefit.”

Japan player Tatsuya Fukuzawa: “There were many good points and bad points today. We were in the game but did not capitalize on chances. Moving forward, I feel the team should make the most of our opportunities or future games will be hard. We’ll draw on this experience though and make improvements for next time.”

Japan player Shigeru Kondoh: “We were leading in this game, but we are pretty disappointed to lose in the end. I missed some chances, I feel a bit responsible for this.”

On how they could improve for OQT: “We could use more quickness, and the quality of our combinations could be better as well. When I come to the middle, I can improve our pipe attack.”

Japan captain Takahiro Yamamoto: “We’d love to have won today, but we couldn’t, so of course we are very disappointed, even though we led early. In order to improve, each member should focus, and as a team we need to come together and get more points. One mistake could mean the game, so toward OQT we’d like to think about this.”