Japan rallied from a first-set loss to defeat Germany and snapping their losing streak in the process.
Long Beach, California, USA, June 19, 2016 – Japan recovered from losing their first set on Sunday to claim a 3-1 victory (25-27, 26-24, 25-15, 25-18) in FIVB World Grand Prix Pool E in Long Beach, California.
Felix Koslowski, Germany, coach: We always can play one or two sets good, but are unable to be consistent enough for the entire match. In the first set we played good and had a good comeback. In the second set, we had a good opportunity to take our first point, but did not talk and an experienced team like Japan they know how to manage the situation. The end of the second set was the key moment. If we win the second set, maybe we could have won. But I am still happy with my team, they are improving match-by-match. Playing teams like Japan is really hard. Every time my team comes back and fights hard.
Denise Hanke, Germany, captain: I think the key points for us was the end of the second set. From my side of the game, we had it in our hands. We couldn’t make the last points. I am a little bit disappointed by this, but it is all a learning process and we want to improve. We have to go to Hong Kong, and it will be really difficult with the time shift. We came from China and now go to Hong Kong. We are tired, but we have to fight through the week, practice hard and we want to try to win. We have China, USA and Netherlands. We have three really good opponents, and we are trying to win.
Masayoshi Manabe, Japan, coach: Well, today was our final match here and we needed to win. That was the first thing we concentrated on.
Mai Yamaguchi, Japan, captain: Today we had better communication in the second and third sets, and that was the main difference. Our younger players are improving their skills and that will help us in the future.