The Japanese men's volleyball team played their final warm-up match before the Paris Olympics against world number one Poland, winning 3-2 (23-25, 25-20, 25-19, 23-25, 17-15).
After the match, we spoke with opposite player Nishida Yuto, who contributed to the victory with 28 points, the most for both teams.
Toshiki: How do you feel looking back on today's game?
Nishida: Although this was our final match for the team, I think this is the result of us being well prepared, so we would like to get in shape again and work hard towards the Olympics.
Toshiki: What was your goal going into the match today, and what went well in the end that led to your victory?
Nishida: No, there wasn't anything in particular that we were concerned about as a team, but we just had to do what we had to do, and I think that would have created some issues, so we had to come up with countermeasures for those during the match. In the first set, the other team ran too hard and took our serves, but from there we were able to play some good volleyball, which shows our growth as a team, and I think that our side players and libero players really persevered, so that was our goal today, and we'll definitely be in situations like this at the Olympics, so I think it was good that we were able to come out with a win here.
Toshiki: For Nishida personally, we've seen him make good plays this year in difficult situations with three blocks and get rebounds.
Nishida: That's what I was aiming for. It wasn't a situation where I had to force the shot, so I took it, and the whole team supported me well, so I was able to hit the ball in a way that would get it to that spot, and when there were three blocks, I think I was able to move up firmly in defense.
Toshiki: With one week left, what areas do you personally want to improve on?
Nishida: Other than the condition, there is nothing else to worry about, so I think we just need to perform well, believe in ourselves, and have the whole team believe in us and go for the win. Even though we have won medals in the Nations League for two consecutive years, we have yet to win one at the Olympics, so I hope we can recognize that we are challengers and do our best.
Toshiki: Good luck. Thank you very much.
Photo: Author
[PR] "ALL for DREAM -Footsteps to Glory- Japan Volleyball National Team Nations League 2024" will be available on U-NEXT from July 27th (Sat.)
A documentary program that closely follows the unknown behind-the-scenes of the "Volleyball Nations League 2024" and traces the fierce battles will be streamed on U-NEXT.
[Distribution date and time]
July 27th (Saturday) 5pm Boys #1 Boys #2
August 3rd (Saturday) 5pm Women's #1
Saturday, August 10th 5pm Women's #2
Saturday, August 24th 5pm Men's #3
Saturday, August 31st 5pm Women's #3
September 7th (Saturday) 5pm Men's #4
Saturday, September 14th 5pm Women's #4
(Quoted from TBS TV release)
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