Germany: "We Are Happy Because We Won Under Difficult Conditions" (Photos)

The German team made up by Timo Boll, Dimitrij Ovtcharov and Bastian Steger stood victorious over Sweden by 3:1 in its first match of the team event. Germany and Sweden had met around two weeks ago for the European Olympic Qualification and Boll and Co. swept with Scandinavian by 3:0. However, Germany suffered more than expected to win this time.

Timo Boll and Jorgen Persson took part in the opening match that was won by 1:3. Then Ovtcharov struggled to beat Par Gerell in five games. Boll and Bastian Steger gave the second point to Germany after defeating Jens Lundqvist and Gerell by 3:0. Steger, German champion, overcame Persson by 3:0 and secured German victory.

Dirk Schimmmelpfennig, Sport Director of the German Federation, talked about Swedish performance: "Swedish players had a good line-up. Gerell played very well against Dima and Persson had already had a close match against Boll at the European Championships last year. It was like playing against three unknown player for our players. We couldn't guest results of Timo's and Dimitrij's matches and how Bastian would play in his first match. That's why we are happy that we could reach quarterfinals under these difficult conditions."

Jorg Rosskopf about Sweden and the schedule: "It's typical for Swedish players that they always see their chances and not problems in the match. They always think of a victory, it doesn't matter who they play against. The German coach also refered to the schedule: "we don't understand why China had a free day and we didn't. Besides, Swedish players made us go to great lenghts, if we had lost, we wouldn't have been able to complain."

Ovtcharov about the match: "My mind was empty today. It wasn't easy, I don't know how I could win. I'm happy that I won and we have a free day on Saturday."

Bastian Steger about his first match: "It was a perferct start in a tournament that is expected to be long. I have under pressure because I had to win and I didn't want to leave the score 2:2. I cannot go crazy because I'm at the Olympics. It was fun to play."

Timo Boll about their victory: "It's good to feel that we can beat good teams when I lose. I'm happy that boys supported me."

Photos retrieved from Tischtennis in Deutschland's facebook page

Photo and info. source: Tischtennis in Deutschland's facebook page - tischtennis.de