Tokyo, Japan, September 22, 2015 – Canada overcame Iran 3-0 (25-23, 29-27, 26-24) in the FIVB Men’s World Cup at Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on Tuesday.
Iran coach Slobodan Kovac: Congratulations to Canada. They played very strong today. We were not in good shape but we tried to get a reaction after yesterday, but mentally we are not here. We tried, but the other side is a good team. Our chances at certain moments were important. At some moments we were not lucky. In the second set when we lost 29-27, one ball was just 1 mm from the court and in that situation you go down so much. Tomorrow is another day and we’ll try to do much better, but it’s not easy.
Iran captain Mir Saied Marouflakrani: There’s nothing to explain. We talk about our worst day. I think we forgot how to win and how we must win. That’s it.
Canada coach Glenn Hoag: At this point of the tournament, I think we’re happy with the win. Although Iran weren’t at their best, they’re always a difficult team to beat. For us, it was actually the first time, but we know the quality of their team, so we’re happy. We have a match tomorrow and we’ll keep our focus and try for a solid win and prepare for the NORCECA tournament.
Canada captain Frederic Winters: Although the World Cup is pretty much over for us, we still have one important game to play against a good team and want to finish strong. I’m proud of the guys on our team for playing so hard today against a very good team in Iran. We have one more game and want to finish with three wins and have a respectable record in the World Cup, so that’s what we’ll try to do tomorrow.
Canada No. 12 Gavin Schmitt: I’m really proud of our team for playing well as a team against such a good team as Iran. They made it difficult for us and fought down to the last point in each set. I’m proud that we could fight and work so well together and get another win today.