Beijing, September 15 – Comments from the coaches of China and Finland after their quarterfinal match.

Zhang Yong (Coaches of CHN)

On non-competition time training routine:

“We practice for four times each day, first at 6:30am, then again for three hours at 9:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm.”

On players’ condition:

“Almost all of our players have some injuries, including fingers, ankles, waist and feet. Players’ fingers are very easily injured as they have to catch fast balls while hitting the floor heavily. These injures greatly affect our attack in the match.”

On achievement:

“Advancing to the semifinals is the best China men’s goalball team has ever achieved. This is a historic breakthrough. I am greatly touched by our players’ perseverance and performance.”

On the tough match:

“This match was difficult. Our players were nervous, because they have had too few international matches and it was also the first elimination game of this tournament. Our players made many mistakes which could have been avoid, such as the highball conceded by Yao Yongquan (who threw a ball out hastily).”

Timo Kalevi Laitinen (Coach of FIN)

On the defense:

“Today we were better than ever, We are getting better and better now.”

On bringing on No.7 Jarno Kristian Saapunki (FIN):

“Jarno is good at bouncing the ball.”

NS: gmt/cyj/shy/zsb/jp/xy