Almaty, Kazakhstan, August 18, 2013 – The Netherlands coach Gido Vermeulen commended the opposing team’s vast improvement after the Dutch side beat Cuba 3-0 (25-13, 25-23, 25-22) in Pool K at the Baluan Sholak Sport and Culture Palace on Sunday.
Gido Vermeulen, the Netherlands coach: “We are very happy to win this game because we think Cuba improved a lot in this tournament. We played them in the first match and now the last match. The young players improved so we had to play with pressure in serve with much concentration in this game, in the first set especially. After that Cuba came back with a good game and their hitters played very well. But in the end, I think the toughness in our team was better. We could win the long rallies and that made the difference.”
Maret Grothues, the Netherlands captain: “In the first set, we played good service. We lost some points later because Cuba started playing well. It was a good fight between us. But in the end we had good defence in the long rallies.”
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| The Netherlands saw an improved Cuban line-up in their final match for this year’s World Grand Prix |
Juan Carlos Gala Rodriguez, Cuba coach: “We started very nervous and made plenty of mistakes. But I am pleased to see that our setter is becoming better and is improving. The Grand-Prix is a great opportunity for my Team to get more experience. The Netherlands played very well. Congratulations to the Netherlands.”
Daymara Lescay Cajigal, Cuba captain: “The team tried to improve during the game but it was too late.”
from (fivb.org)
