Press release

Masayoshi Manabe, coach of Japan: We won in five sets. Saori Sakoda, Kanako Hirai and Risa Shinnabe saved us.

Juan Carlos Gala, coach of Cuba: It was a good game. We had many chances. We could have won 3-0 or 3-1 if we had taken the first set. We have a young team and a lack of concentration caused us to lost the last eight points of the first set and as a result the match. We are sorry we can't go to the Olympics, but four years from now we will be there.

Saori Sakoda, player of Japan: I was very happy to win. We want to do the same thing again tomorrow. Wearing the Japan uniform means always having to be prepared. My job is to change the flow and mood of the game when I come in. I was able to do it tonight.

Saori Kimura, player of Japan: We were very happy to be able to win today. We want to connect this victory to tomorrow. I was determined to destroy their attack with a strong serve.

Risa Shinnabe, player of Japan: Our opponent was eager to win. Their energy remained until the very end. I was happy we could win.

Rosanna Giel, player of Cuba: We played well and I thought we could win. A lack of accuracy was to blame for our loss.