French players celebrate their Rio 2016 qualification
Tokyo, Japan, June 4, 2016 – France captain Benjamin Toniutti and Antonin Rouzier were called by coach Laurent Tillie four years ago to play for the national team with the goal of qualifying to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, now the two have accomplished it and share their happiness with the entire team as they have accomplished their dream, while Venezuela's Emerson Rodriguez was waiting for his chance from the bench to play hard.
France coach Laurent Tillie: “Today we got the ticket to the Olympics and I'm happy about that. Venezuela played well. We only had to take two sets to go to the Olympics, but it was stressful for us. We did not have a good rhythm. We are happy to be qualified because it has been a dream for us.”
France captain Benjamin Toniutti: “I have been waiting for this day for a long time. Four years ago, we could not make it to the Olympics. It is tough to make it because Europe has so many good teams. I am proud of this achievement. I hope we can show how great out team is. We will do our best in the Olympics.”
France player Antonin Rouzier: “Our coach Mr. Tillie called me four years ago to the national team. He said our goal was to make it to Rio. I thought that was a long time away. We started from scratch four years ago and this team sacrificed a lot, so our joy is much greater. I have to thank our coach. We have the capability to get a medal at the Olympics.”
Venezuela coach Vincenzo Nacci: “Congratulations to France on making it to the Olympics. Our team is playing better with each match. We are playing harder. I like to coach a team like this that is improving. All the teams here are strong. We can't go to Olympics, but I think we played hard. We have a tough competition coming up in the World League.”
Venezuela captain Kervin Pinerua: “It was a good match. Our attack and defence went well. France are a strong team. We were able to play volleyball in our own way today. We will work hard towards the World League.”
Venezuela player Emerson Rodriguez: “I was waiting on the bench for my chance. I played hard when I came in. I think our level is high. We just need more organisation.”