15-MAIO-2012
THE NATIONAL TEAMS
IN THE CONTINENTAL CUP
 

In the semi-finals of the Continental Cup of Beach Volleyball, Pedro Rosas, 32 years old and 193 cm height, will double with Rui Moreira (23 years old, 189 cm) as Joao Simoes (25 years, 194 cm) will play with Jose Pedrosa (34 years, 187 cm). In the city of Zug (Suitzerland) the national team will have to face powerful opponents, such as Russia, Switzerland, Norway, Italia, Ukraine, Czech Republic and Greece. The first opponents of the Portuguese players will be the Russians.

Pedro Rosas / Rui Moreira

"It will be very difficult because we face the first ranked teams (Russia), but we believe we can cause some surprise. That's what we'll try to do, because we started to train recently due to the National Indoor Championships, and we will face teams who are dedicated exclusively to Beach Volleyball. In a competition like this, or whether we win or we are completely ruined. We try to look at the Continental Cup without any pressure, because we are "outsiders", and try to give our maximum and, if possible, win", said Pedro Rosas.

"We are very committed to this competition. We worked little in terms of time, but very intense. I left just a week ago the indoor competition, but I promise I'll do my best. Russia has a strong team and very complicated to play against. It is time our opponents give us value, but the fact of not being the favorites can play in our favor, as happened in the earlier stages, when the fact of being "outsiders" allowed us to surprise people. I think the presence in the Olympics fills the dreams of any athlete, whatever the sport that you practice. We had a team that was the pinnacle in terms of the National Beach Volleyball and we recognize the value of Miguel Maia and João Brenha. The duo was an example that everyone should do their utmost to follow", said Rui Moreira.

Jose Pedrosa / Joao Simoes

"We try to do our best, hoping that our best is, first of all, enough to get balanced with Russia. Our preparation is one that is possible, but above all it's about to try once again to extend our involvement with a motivation that has enabled us to overcome two phases. In this third phase, we would like at least pass the first round. From there, we'll see ... We're seed number eight  and will face the number one, everything is in the negative, but let's play it cool, setting our goals step by step. The most important part is that we operate in an environment that pleases me: to play with more experienced athletes, to team up with two younger athletes. And those more experienced should help train youngers so that they unite and come back later to represent Portugal. It is with this intention that we should take part in the Continental Cup ... Let's see what this test will do for the future", said Jose Pedrosa.

"It will be complicated because our group is very strong. In the very first match, we have to face Russia, represented by two teams who play the World Tour. We have trained within the possibilities. We know that Portugal, in terms of weather, is not the best, but we are confident, though aware of the difficulty of the matches we have to play. But we also knew we had nothing to lose, so the pressure is on their side. On the other hand, we also have some quality, and for that, we might win some games. To get to this semi-final is already a great victory. And we're here for, if possible, go even further", said Joao Simoes.

More information: www.cev.lu / www.fivb.org