Yokohama, Japan, September 16, 2019 – Korea downed Japan in a thrilling four-set (23-25, 25-19, 25-22, 27-25) match at the FIVB World Cup on Tuesday and coach Stefano Lavarini believes the result will provide confidence for his team going forward.
Korea coach Stefano Lavarini: "It is always a tough match for Korea against Japan. Everybody pushed hard tonight. We missed chances last night. Today we did 2 more percent effort and won. We must take this match and use it to be confident going forward in the tournament."
Korea captain Kim Yeon Koung: "This was an important match after yesterday’s loss. We blocked and defended well and had a good attack. We were able to show our good aspects. Japan fought very hard."
Japan coach Kumi Nakada: "After yesterday’s loss tonight was an important match. In all aspects and skills we were inferior to Korea. When we could catch up to them we would make mistakes and be left behind. We were not in sync."
Japan captain Nana Iwasaka: "We could not get our rhythm tonight. We lost to Korea 3-1 in the Nations League also. We have a day off tomorrow and will try to regroup for the game with Cameroon."
Japan player Miya Sato: "I showed my weaknesses in decisive moments tonight. We allowed Korea to lead and our countermeasures were too late."
Japan player Mayu Ishikawa: "We made many mistakes tonight. When the opposition had momentum we could not create any rhythm."