Russia coach Yury Marichev credits post-first set pep talk helped them in their 3-2 win over Japan in the first round of the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup at the Yoyogi National Stadium on Sunday
Tokyo, Japan, August 23, 2015 - Russia emerged as winners in the 3-2 encounter against hosts Japan in the first round of the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Cup at the Yoyogi National Stadium on Sunday.
Russia coach Yury Marichev: "I'm happy to win. Finally as a head coach I won a game in Japan against Japan. That was my dream. Japan were good at blocks, attacks, serves and digs. It was a close match. The team was nervous in the first set. I spoke to the players after that and the mood changed."
Russia captain Ekaterina Kosianenko: "We expected a tough match today. We were nervous in the first set. Our substitute players helped us win this match."
Russia player Tatiana Kosheleva: "I'm happy we could win today. We had good support from all team members. I am happy with the way I played today."
Japan coach Masayoshi Manabe: "We played a tough five sets and lost in the end. The players were good until the middle of the match. We had a good performance in the fourth set. We served well but it was hard to break their attacks. Kosheleva's spikes were good."
Japan captain Saori Kimura: "It's a pity that we lost the match. We played a tough team but it was nice that the crowd was united. We improved our defence in the last half of the match and we got points on high blocks."
Japan player Yuki Ishii: "I regret that we lost. Every player on the court gave it their all."
Japan player Miyu Nagaoka: "It's too bad we lost. There were many points in this match we want to learn from in the future."
Japan player Riho Ohtake: "It's unfortunate that we lost. There were many good performances. We want to refresh ourselves and get ready for tomorrow. Russia got their momentum from Kosheleva."