Laura Dijkema, Player of The Netherlands
On the turning point of the match:
“Both teams struggled on the serve in this match. The key point in the final set was when the players stood up by making a lot of good passes and good attacks. That made the difference in this match.”
On their feeling in the final plays in the fifth set:
“In the final moments of the fifth set, we got that feeling that we can do it. It’s good that we didn’t lose our focus because earlier we were getting scared but it’s good that we kept our confidence.”
On Giovanni Guidetti’s instructions in the huddle:
“Giovanni told us to keep our confidence in ourselves and I think that changed everything.”
Anna Buijs, Player of The Netherlands
On her first Olympics:
“It feels really amazing. Playing against China who are always going for the medals and the Netherlands coming here for the first time in 20 years, it was really a tough match. In the first set we started out great, and the second and third our level went down a lot in service and reception, but in the end we kept on fighting and we won. It’s really great and I am really proud to be part of this team.”
On Giovanni Guidetti’s instructions in the huddle:
“I think he is helping us with the tactics. We had to adjust because China started responding to our plays and we had to change a little bit, but in the end it’s all about the fighting spirit.”
On the Brazilian crowd support:
“That was amazing. I want to thank the fans for that. My family is here and for the fans to be cheering ‘Holland, Holland, Holland’ really gave me goose bumps, so this made it extra special.”