Kyoto, Japan, June 7, 2015 - In the second match against hosts Japan, France continued firing on all cylinders to take a second straight 3-0 win, this time 25-15, 25-18, 25-23. Just as yesterday, Japan couldn’t find any rhythm until the third set, and even then it proved to be too little, as France would not be interrupted in their World League campaign in Kyoto.
France captain Benjamin Toniutti: We’re very content to take these two matches here this weekend against Japan, and four matches in this Asian round (two wins in Korea, now two more in Japan). We can go back to France and welcome the Czech Republic, feeling good about our performance in this match. We changed four players during this match, so it was good that many on our team could get in some playing time here in this leg.”
France coach Laurent Tillie: Today our concentration was good. Our players really enjoyed the game, and I’m quite glad to get four wins in this Asian round. French players really take pride in their defense, and they don't have any fear of tough play required for good digging. They can really use any body part, hands, feet, head, etc, to keep the ball up.
Japan player Masahiro Yanagida: This was my first time to be in the starting line-up. I felt France’s block was much higher than I expected or imagined. I was trying to spike off their fingers and out, but it really wasn’t working out for me – instead it resulted in some opportunities for them.
Japan player Yuki Ishikawa: For me, I played better than yesterday, but France plays with much teamwork, and I feel we can learn a lot from them. Earvin Ngapeth was my teammate in Italy, and it was my first time facing him as an opponent this weekend. I hope I can someday be a player of his calibre.
Japan coach Masashi Nambu: Our team played better than yesterday, because we had a chance to adapt to France’s play. We lost two matches here in Kyoto, but we’ll meet France again near the end of June in France, so I hope we can see a better result than we’ve had today and yesterday.