Hamamatsu, Japan, September 14, 2019 – Brazil edged Serbia 3-2 (25-20, 23-25, 25-18, 22-25, 15-12) in a pulsating match on the first day of the FIVB Women’s World Cup at Hamamatsu Arena on Saturday.
Brazil coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes: "We were really happy to be well supported by the Hamamatsu Brazilian community. As for some of our players, Fabi (Claudino) has only been back with the national team for one month and this is her first international tournament since the Olympic Games in 2016, while it’s Drusylla’s second international tournament after the South American Championship. Also, Gabi and Camila were coming back but I think all these players performed well. Lorenne performed really well in the fifth set, but she’s a young player and needs to improve, so she needs to play more at this level."
Brazil captain Fabiana Claudino: "It was a really hard game for us today. We expected a tough game in the first match. We’re not in the best condition, but with every game we can improve."
On the new Mikasa volleyball: "At first, it was a bit awkward but it didn’t affect our performance and we can get used to it game by game, so it’s no problem for us."
Serbia coach Aleksandar Vladisavljev: "First, I want to say that the fans here had two and a half hours of enjoyable volleyball here in which you could see all the beauty of this sport. I’m very satisfied with my team as they gave their best in the match and maybe even beyond our expectations. This match maybe was decided by just one ball, as well as the great experience of the Brazilian team.
"After losing the first set, we played good volleyball and I told my girls to have no fear and enjoy the atmosphere against this very good Brazil team. I told them to do what we had planned. I think the biggest thing we got out of this match was the attitude of the players and the smiles they showed in the following sets.
Serbia captain Ana Bjelica: "First of all, I want to congratulate Brazil; they played really well today. I cannot say we played badly. We gave the maximum after two days following the European Championship. I’m happy that some of the young girls could experience this atmosphere and have the chance to play against this big, strong Brazil team. I think it was a good start for us, but we also have a tough match tomorrow. I’m happy we showed really great volleyball today. They have more experienced players so you always win the fifth set with experience or a little more energy because we only came two days ago, so we haven’t adapted yet."
On the new Mikasa volleyball: I think the ball is almost the same and for high-level players I don’t think the ball is so important. It’s great that they changed the colours.