Toshiki: How do you feel looking back on today's game?
Nishida: I'm really glad that we won as a team. My spikes and serves were no good at all, but I was able to make my blocks and defense work. I have another day tomorrow, so I'd like to make some more adjustments to my spikes and be ready for the semi-finals.
Toshiki: What do you think was the reason you were able to win in straight sets against an opponent who defeated you in a full set in the qualifying round?
Nishida: I think it was really big that we were able to hold off Marr and Lepke. But it was also really big that we were able to gain an advantage through defense, not kill blocks, but through defense.
I also think that Ishikawa's serves were very strong, which was a big factor in our victory, but it was a very close match, so I think that if we had made fewer mistakes, including my own, and played better volleyball, we might have had a better result.
Toshiki: There will be a day off before the semi-finals, so how do you plan to prepare tomorrow?
Nishida: I think I'll be preparing well on the offensive side. Other than that, I don't know which of the opponents' spikes (Slovenia or Argentina) will be coming, so I'd like to prepare for that. My physical condition is not bad, but I think I'll improve if I have confidence in my play, so I'd like to get my confidence back and do my best.
Toshiki: Last year at VNL, you had to leave the tournament due to injury just before the start of the semi-finals.
Nishida: Yes. It's a bit traumatic though (laughs). I want to work hard and prepare well, and I think I need to show that I'm stronger than last year. As I said before, my condition is good, so I think it's just a matter of mentality, so I want to prepare well in that regard.
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