Press release

Japan coach - Tatsuya Ueta

"Our defense functioned very well. Kunihiro Shimizu had 13 points and played well."

"Korea's serves created problems for us. They moved us around the court."

"Each of our players did their job tonight. Our technical performance in the last set was good."

Korea coach - Park Ki-Won

"The individual level of the players was unstable. They could not perform well. This was the key element. I'm sorry we lost."

Japan captain - Daisuke Usami

"I wish we could have won 3-1. We were passive after the first set. Our mental approach must be reviewed. We will have to sustain our strong will in the coming matches."

Japan player - Kunihiro Shimizu

"It was a hard game. We were united as one. The feel and mood in the fifth set was good."

Japan player - Yusuke Ishijima

"Our team has won. What's important is that we won. I need to work on some individual skills and do my best tomorrow."

Korea captain - Kwon Young-Min

"I regret that we lost."