Kasai: “Great first half laid a cornerstone for our success“

Oleksandr Kasai

Motor Zaporozhye - Beijing Sport University 41:19 (23:4)
(Kasai 12 / Yu Wang 4, Huang 4)

Mykola Stepanets, Motor Zaporozhye coach:
It is essential to take into account the fact that Beijing Sport University had a match on Monday against Vojvodina. Lack of rest as well as long journey to Zaporozhye made this match very complicated for the Chinese squad. Despite winning 3 points in this match, we did too many mistakes. Our technical drawbacks appeared to be obvious as they were nude during the game. We failed to take advantage of several clear scoring moments. In a match against another skilled team, they could be crucial.

Oleksandr Kasai, Motor Zaporozhye player:
I am satisfied with such a great first half. Indeed, it laid a cornerstone for our success. Everyone was waiting for the thrilling match, bearing in mind any kind of handball surprise could be presented from such a mysterious opponent. We are grateful that the match was devoid of severity and miscommunication with our rival. We are looking forward to seeing more unpredictability and new challenges in the next match against Beijing Sport University.

Vlado Sola, Beijing Sport University coach:
When I took the team, none of the players had played this type of handball before. They only participated in tournaments, but our recent playing format is completely different. Therefore, it needs other “deeper” types of preparation which these players have not experienced before. Playing in the SEHA - Gazprom League is absolutely unique experience for them. It is unfair to expect and demand from my players to play on the same level as Motor Zaporozhye does. Our main aim is to make evident progress from one match to another. Today I am especially disappointed with the first half. We made too many mistakes without pressure from the opponent. The second half was better, nevertheless we lost. The most beautiful thing in this match is the opportunity to congratulate Motor Zaporozhye on their victory. They played really well and deserved such result.

Wei Wang, Beijing Sport University player:
It is exciting to play on such big level. We are doing it for the first time. During today’s match we tried to do our best, but we failed. We hope to collaborate with our legendary coach more closely and successfully in the future in order to show what we are able to do. We still have secrets and potential that need to be revealed.