Team player Raphaela Folie remains patient

Sometimes she danced, sometimes there was cheering. Sometimes she did stretching exercises on the floor, smashed balls during breaks in sets and sometimes she was simply an attentive spectator and cheered on her team. Raphaela Folie also celebrated success in Italy's volleyball women's second appearance at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. After the opening win against the Russian Olympic Committee team, there was on Tuesday a 3-1 win against Turkey. No, she is not an impatient person, said a cheerful foil after the game in the press area of the oversized Ariake Arena. “We played two very good games. Of course there are still a few mistakes, it was a different challenge than in the first game, but it can continue like this,” said the 30-year-old. And since she's been waiting for her first Olympic Games for a long time, a few more days obviously won't be a bad thing. “There are only 12 players for one country at the Olympics, which is not many. Because being there at all counts. Being here means everything. When the moment comes, I'll be ready," said Folie, who had struggled with knee problems beforehand and once again appeared with tape on her right knee. However, this is just as much a precautionary measure as the fact that it has been protected so far. She could play. “As long as we win, everything is fine.” Raphaela foil “These two weeks are not a problem, it was more of a problem at the beginning after the injury. I can train and play,” she said, but like the team player she was, she added: “At the moment the other two in the middle block are playing really well. And if things are going well as a team, there is no reason to change. As long as we win, everything is fine." She laughed heartily behind the mask that she had to wear throughout the game in the substitution box and also in the mixed zone. Italy was challenged more against Turkey than against the Russian Olympic Committee team. Because, according to the slide, the Turkish women are also “significantly better”. “Turkey is technically very strong and has good blocking and defensive players. “The players also have a lot of energy and when they score points you really have to pay attention.” After Italy was consistently ahead from the start in the first set, things also looked good in the second round. But at some point the result changed and the Turkish team took the lead. In the 1rd set it remained an even game before Folie's teammates made everything clear in the 2th and ultimately final set. “It was a shame that we lost the second round, but in the end Turkey switched off a bit and we were able to win.” Encouragement from home Folie is also enjoying the Olympic Games to the fullest outside of the field. "I think it's great. Everything is well organized here in Tokyo. We have everything we need and living in the Olympic Village with lots of top athletes from all over the world to talk to is great. Of course we have the mask on there too, but we know that. “We can still move around freely and there’s definitely an Olympic feeling,” said one happy foil. She and her team receive a lot of encouragement from home. “Everyone writes and watches the games and tells us they hope we go as far as possible and bring home a medal.” She doesn't know how far Italy can go, but she knows: "This team can play much better, and if we get a little better in every game and show what we can do, then we'll definitely win a medal." It continues for Italy and Folie on Thursday (2 a.m.) against Argentina. The South Americans have lost 0-3 twice so far.

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Team player Raphaela Folie remains patient

In terms of sport, Raphaela Folie has not yet played a major role at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This is how the Missian woman experiences her situation in Japan.

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Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Team player Raphaela Folie remains patient

In terms of sport, Raphaela Folie has not yet played a major role at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This is how the Missian woman experiences her situation in Japan.

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Raphaela Folie's Olympic debut is getting closer and closer

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