The nucleus of the Brazil team - Thaisa, coach José Roberto Guimarães and Sheilla
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 10, 2016 - With an inspired Thaisa Menezes, who scored 19 points, Brazil beat Japan in straight sets (25-20, 25-23, 25-15) and took control of Pool B of Preliminary Round Group 1.
José Roberto Guimarães, Brazil, coach – “In the first and third set we played well with a good attitude. In the second we did not start in a good way. We need a lot of attention to play against Japan and it is always difficult to play against them. I think we played better today than our first game against Italy. I liked our attitude.”
Thaisa Menezes, Brazil, Middle blocker – “Japan is a team that plays with a lot of velocity and we knew that would be important to get in the court with focus in our game. I am practicing really hard and it is really good to be back in the court with the national team after my knee´s surgeries that happened last year. I am ready to help my team in best possible way.”
Masayoshi Manabe, Japan, coach – “The Brazilians managed to play in a good rhythm and made a good use of its block skills. The service also was a key point to reach the victory.”
Yukiko Ebata, Japan, wing spiker – “Our team made so many mistakes and that cannot happen when you play against such a strong adversary as Brazil. The result could be different if we did not commit that amount of turnovers. It was a good experience though, due the Olympic Games that is already on the corner and we had the opportunity to meet the Brazilian fans here in Rio de Janeiro.