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Japan loses to Poland, fails to win a medal for the third consecutive year [Men's Volleyball Nations League]

In the men's final round of the Volleyball Nations League 2025 (China), Japan faced Poland in the quarterfinals on Thursday, July 31st, losing 0-3 (23-25, 24-26, 12-25).

As a result, Japan failed to win a medal for the third consecutive year and finished the tournament in sixth place.

Participating members

Japan

Starting lineup: OH Takahashi Ai (4), MB Onodera (2), S Nagatsuyu (3), OH Ishikawa (11), MB Sato (1), OP Miyaura (17), L Ogawa

Substitutes: S Oya (0), OH Tomita (1), OH Kai (0), MB Nishimoto (4), OP Nishiyama (0), MB Rally (0)

Poland

Starting line-up: OH Fornal (11), MB Novak (4), OP Sasak (15), OH Leon (3), MB Kochanovski (7), S Komenda (4), L Popivczak

Substitutes: OH Bednos (0), OH Šarupuk (0), OH Semeniuk (6), OP Bółanci (2), S Firley (0).

Match Overview

In the first set, Japan took a 16-12 lead thanks to spikes and aces from OP Miyaura and consecutive aces from S Nagatsuyu. However, Poland's consecutive blocks allowed them to tie the score at 17-17, and then an ace from OP Sasaku put Japan at 20-21. In the end, relief server OH Tomita's serve was a miss, giving Poland the lead at 23-25.

In the early stages of the second set, Poland took a 3-7 lead thanks to spikes from OP Sasak. Japan then closed the gap with spikes from OH Ishikawa and substitute MB Nishimoto, successfully taking the lead to 17-16. However, a serve from S Komenda put Poland back on the board at 21-23. Japan managed to bring the score to deuce with a block from MB Sato, but OP Sasak scored consecutive points with a spike and block, giving Poland a 24-26 lead.

In the third set, Poland took a 5-8 lead with four blocks early on. Japan brought in S. Oya and MB Rally, but further mistakes from Japan put Poland ahead at 7-13. Japan continued to struggle to score attacks, while Poland continued to score with blocks and counter attacks, widening the gap to 10-21. Japan made substitutions one after another, but it was too late. OH Semeniuk finally closed the gap at 12-25 with a spike, and Japan lost 0-3 to Poland.

Match stats (English)▼
https://vnlm.volleystation.com/en/matches/2227708/

personal MVP

Kento Miyaura

Opposite
17 points (15 attack, 2 serve)
Attack Effectiveness Rate 28%

He had the most points of both teams. Until the second set, he was in unrivaled spike mode, scoring as long as he kept his spikes up, and he even grabbed an ace break with a powerful banana serve. However, in the third set, the team lost momentum and his numbers also dropped.

However, Miyaura has been the only player to start every match so far, and he has undoubtedly been the one who has led the team throughout the tournament. For now, I hope he takes a little rest, and then, next time in the Philippines, the home of bananas, he will be able to deliver a bunch of banana serves per match.

Kevin Sasak

Opposite
15 points (10 attack, 3 serve, 2 block)
Attack Effectiveness Rate 62%

Following on from the qualifying round, Poland's opposite once again gave Japan a hard time. His performance was truly impressive, with zero points conceded in attack and an effective ratio of 621 TP and 3 T. He also continued to put pressure on Japan with his serve and block. If he can continue this performance, the semi-final against Brazil will surely be an exciting match.

Toshiki's comment

I watched this match live.

To be honest, I was prepared for Japan to lose, but I never expected it to end in such a disappointing way.

Things were going well until the second set. I was able to win.

OP Miyaura was highly decisive, and OH Ishikawa and OH Takahashi were able to take advantage of the opponent's high blocks. MB Nishimoto, who came on as a substitute, also excited the court with his passionate play. S Nagatsuyu also scored points with his serve and block. They were able to push Poland's star player, OH Leon, to the point where he was forced to go to the bench.

However, I made too many serve errors (7 in the first set, 8 in the second set) and had few break chances, which was a shame. If I had been able to reduce those errors by even one or two points, I would have been able to win the set.

The atmosphere at the venue was more lively than yesterday's match between the home teams China and Brazil, and I think more than half of the spectators were cheering for Japan.

However, it was clear that he was losing concentration early in the third set. He was suddenly getting blocked more often, balls that normally wouldn't fall were dropping, and he was also making more mistakes in combinations, creating an odd atmosphere.

The Japan we knew was no longer there.

Even after making substitutions, it was already too late. Far from changing the atmosphere, it seemed like they were being consumed by that bad mood.

I think Tille should have done something sooner.

In the end, Japan suffered nine blocks in just the third set, resulting in a dismal attack effectiveness rate of -231 TP3T.

It was without a doubt the worst set performance of the tournament, and a painful match to watch.

All we can do is take a positive approach and realize that the issues have been brought to light, and make the necessary corrections before the World Championships.

I'm sure they can do it. Anyway, I hope they can all take a break and try their best again.

The setter in particular has to work hard.

Remaining tournament dates




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Photo: FIVB

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