Going into the Olympic women's volleyball tournament for the first time, South American representatives Venezuela on Tuesday vowed to fight against reigning champions and hosts China in their debut match scheduled for August 9.
"There is no strategy when we compete against such a strong team. China is the defending champion and they have the best defence," said Venezuela head coach Tomas Fernandez after their training at the Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium on Tuesday. "However, we will try to perform bravely, but I don't think that a miracle can happen."
The Chinese women, who rallied past Russia in a thrilling five-set final at the Athens Games, will start their title defending journey by playing the inexperienced Venezuelans, whose average age is below 20.
"Our team is a very young team, the most important goal for this Olympic Games is to make progress and gain experience for the next Olympic Games," said Fernandez. "We are lacking in technical skills and also in international exposure. But we are trying to gain more experience at the international level to improve our skills."
At the age of 25, Desiree Guillermina Glod John is the oldest player of her team.
"I feel good because we are here at the Olympics," she said. " Our girls are young, but in my heart I feel we are coming here to fight. We will fight every team and for every ball."
(Xinhua News Agency August 5, 2008)