Richmond, Canada, July 23, 2017 - The Czech Republic earned a hard-fought four-set win at Canada that sends them into the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix 2017 Group 2 Finals with a 7-2 record.
Zdenek Pommer, coach of Czech Republic: "We played really well. There was only one set that we were in trouble with the reception and passing. But in all the other sets of the match, we were in control of the game."
Karolina Bednarova, captain of Czech Republic: "We knew it was going to be a tough one because we were expecting Canada to be stronger than in Puerto Rico. I think we were well-prepared. They put us under a lot of pressure in the second and the third sets with their serving and blocking. But we fought our way back and showed our spirit at the end."
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Marcello Abbondanza, coach of Canada: "We really played under our expectations today. The fans deserve to see really different volleyball – a different attitude; not just technically, but with more passion and effort on the court. When this does not happen, I feel ashamed."
Alicia Perrin, player of Canada: "There were some technical parts of our game plan that we did not execute properly. We had moments where we were great, but also moments where we had too many unforced errors. We let the Czechs get too far ahead while making more errors. You cannot do that against a good team who is that consistent. We are all getting used to the new system coach (Marcello Abbondanza) has put in. He is getting used to our tendencies and capabilities. There is a lot of pressure when you get on the court to perform, but I think being able to perform under pressure is what makes a great athlete. We are still trying to figure out our best line up and it is a different group going to each tournament. We are a deep team with different roles, but I think we are getting better."