But with 1,93m height and twenty-one years old, no problem to support the pressure all a match long. Then, the Japanese problem, facing this classical East European volleyball, was to dig and dig, multiply the side-outs, and wait for a mistake, like China did so well against Russia in the former semifinal. But three new attacks out, suddenly, let see that Japanese legs were becoming heavier. Defence held the game, but Ito and Mitsunaga could no more jump at the net after partners digs. You won the match.
Japan is a a good team, which has extremely high level of defense.
But our team did the best in both defense and offense. After we won the first set, we fought for the second with the same quality. I think that's why we got the victory. Japan and Croatia knew each other well. Maybe our team was successful at maintaining good concentration, reception and attacking through the match.