Hoffman Estates, USA, June 17, 2018 – The United States moved to second place in the standings of the FIVB Volleyball Nations League after winning all matches without dropping any set.
USA coach John Speraw: “We didn’t know much about their setter, but I thought he did a great job. They did use some new players. Obviously the depth of Iran is very good and they played a very good volleyball match. We didn’t know as much as we do about some of their other players, but I thought they were very skilled and it was a tough match.”
USA player Erik Shoji: “It’s the first time we haven’t played Marouf, the setter. We didn’t know what to expect but they came out firing. We battled so hard, it was an awesome match.”
Iran coach Igor Kolakovic: “It was a tough game in all senses, but USA were better than us and I congratulate them for the victory. We did a lot of changes in the team because we have some players with injuries and we have some young players who we’d like to give an opportunity to show their quality. I think we were so close to taking one set, but we need experience to win one set against the USA. For that reason I am so unhappy, but thanks to the spectators here because they made a perfect atmosphere to play volleyball tonight.”