Unbeaten China under no pressure ahead of World Grand Prix Finals in Sapporo (2)

English>>Sports

Editor's Pick

Unbeaten China under no pressure ahead of World Grand Prix Finals in Sapporo (2)

(Xinhua) 08:22, August 27, 2013

Email|Print|Comments

twitter

facebook

Sina Microblog

Is the Brazilian team able to snap the three-time title-winning streak of the U.S.? "I don't know. It's important to play well against every team at this moment."

The experience of the World Grand Prix final round will be very important for the Brazilian team in its build up to the Rio De Janeiro Games in 2016, according to Guimaraes.

"There were 20 teams playing in the preliminary rounds this year and it's difficult to qualify for the final round. I am happy we qualified and it's very important for the future of our team," he added. "It's important to play against the best teams in the world to grow up and learn. We have a lot of young players and they need this kind of experience. It's important for them because we have to plan for Rio."

Italy head coach Marco Mencarelli has put his eyes on the European Championships.

"For our team it is a perfect opportunity to play in the final six to improve our game and prepare for the European Championships," said Mencarelli. "We are a young team with a lot of young players and we need the experience of playing against high level teams around the world."

"We will have three years to work and improve. We hope this group of players will be in Rio in 2016 and we hope for the best results," he added.

Italy will take on the host Japan on the first day of the final round on Wednesday.

The final round of the 2013 FIVB World Grand Prix women's volleyball tournament will start on Wednesday with China, Brazil, Serbia, the U.S., Italy and the host Japan to play a round robin to vie for the championship.

【1】【2】