TOKYO - Coach Shoichi Yanagimoto expects Japan to be serious medal contenders in the women's volleyball tournament at the Beijing Olympics after qualifying for the Games on Friday.
Japan's Sachiko Sugiyama spikes the ball against Thailand during their 2008 World Women Olympic Volleyball Qualification Tournament in Tokyo May 24, 2008. [Agencies] |
"It's been a long and difficult road to get there," Yanagimoto told Saturday's Japanese media.
"We will go to Beijing to challenge for medals."
Japan beat Asian rivals South Korea by three sets to one in the final Olympic qualifying tournament in Tokyo on Friday to improve to 5-0 and ensure they will finish in the top three with four berths available for Beijing.
"It's a credit to the players," Yanagimoto said after his side's 25-20 25-19 21-25 25-13 win.
"We didn't have enough time to prepare before the competition but the team spirit has been excellent."
European silver medallists Serbia also booked their spot at an Olympics for the first time with a comfortable win over Puerto Rico on Friday and Poland joined them a day later to leave one berth remaining.
Poland downed the Serbs in five sets on Saturday to reach their first Games since 1968. The final berth will go to the next highest placed Asian country after Japan with either South Korea, Thailand or Kazakhstan set to advance to Beijing.
Japan will mark their 10th Olympic appearance in women's volleyball and be bidding to win a medal for the first time since the 1984 Los Angeles Games.
Italy, Brazil, the United States, Cuba, Venezuela, Algeria and Russia had all qualified for Beijing, along with hosts and 2004 Athens gold medallists China.
"We will fight for every point in Beijing," Yanagimoto said. "We have cleared a lot of hurdles to get there but the hard work has paid off."
