Players of Argentina celebrate their qualification to the FIVB Men's U21 World Championship finals.
Tijuana, Mexico, September 19, 2015 - It was a very emotional time to celebrate for the Argentinian players who kept concentration during the match against China, probably the most difficult of the tournament, according to captain Gaston Fernandez.
“I’m very emotional, the Chinese were such great rivals as they won the silver medal at the last edition of this championship,” said Fernandez.
“We knew it was going to be tough as every match at a World Championship. Fortunately we played our game. Argentina is Argentina, this was a great match, very emotional.”
Fernandez appreciated the support of the fans from his country who travelled with the families as well as some others who live in Tijuana and reside in Southern California who came to the High Performance Centre to follow the actions of the competition.
“I want to say thank you to all of them, for following us, for believing in us,” the captain remarked. For coach Alejandro Grossi, his team played an impeccable match against on of the toughest teams.
“We played very well in attack, and very clearly to neutralize their game scheme,” said Grossi.
“The team played at a stratospheric level. I am so glad to be in a world championship final. Not everybody reach a final and not everyday happens, so I told them to enjoy this moment. But this is not over. There is still one more step to come.”
A Final does not occur everyday, so it will be important to be prepared. “Today we will enjoy and tomorrow we will think about playing with honor and try to finish as champions,” the Argentinian coach added.
“Tough match. I have no words, nothing left to say,” expressed Chinese coach Genyin Ju, who was so calmed and serious at the end of the match. China will play for the Bronze medal on Sunday.