{"id":67493,"date":"2026-08-02T00:09:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-02T00:09:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/67493\/"},"modified":"2026-08-02T00:09:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T00:09:09","slug":"volleyball-thriller-us-edges-japan-in-the-nations-league-semifinals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/japan\/67493\/","title":{"rendered":"Volleyball Thriller: US Edges Japan in the Nations League Semifinals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Japan took a tournament-best 13-0 record into its marquee showdown with the United States in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League<\/a> semifinals on Saturday, August 1.<\/p>\n

In Ningbo, China, the American squad spoiled Japan’s quest for a perfect run at the global tournament, winning 19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 15-13.<\/p>\n

On Sunday, the volleyball<\/a> tournament will wrap up with Japan seeking its third VNL medal \u2015 after earning a bronze in 2023 and a silver in 2024.<\/p>\n

Up next: Japan coach Laurent Tillie’s team takes on Slovenia, which was swept by two-time reigning champion Poland (25-16, 25-19, 25-17) in the earlier semifinal, in Sunday’s bronze-medal match (4:30 PM JST).<\/p>\n

In the final, the United States and Poland will meet for the top prize on the same day.<\/p>\n

Team USA, guided by volleyball legend Karch Kiraly, is aiming to capture the VNL title for the first time after finishing as the runner-up three times, most recently in 2023.<\/p>\n

US standout Matthew Anderson<\/a>, who had a match-best 24 kills on Saturday, said his team had to rise to the occasion against a talented, determined opponent.<\/p>\n

“They are a really good team, they play all aspects of the game really well,” Anderson said in a post-match interview with VBTV. “So, we just had to be a tiny bit better in certain situations, and that’s what we did.”<\/p>\n

\"volleyball\"US outside hitter Matthew Anderson vies for a point against Japan. (\u00a9VOLLEYBALL WORLD)<\/p>\n

Clearly, recollections of the most recent match between the two volleyball squads were fresh on the players’ and coaches’ minds in Ningbo.\u00a0<\/p>\n

On June 27, Japan grinded out a five-set victory over the US in Orleans, France, winning 18-25, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22, 15-13.<\/p>\n

Top Performances in the Semifinal <\/p>\n

In Saturday’s rematch, Team USA’s overall depth was a key factor. Eight American players finished with two or more attack points. Along with Anderson, Jake Hanes<\/a> (20 kills) and Taylor Averill (nine) were the heavy hitters.<\/p>\n

Kiraly commended his players for their banner performance against Japan.<\/p>\n

“That team won 13 straight matches and a lot of them went to the tiebreaker,” Kiraly said, according to the USA Volleyball website. “They are just an amazing team. You think you’ve got a kill and then they put a hand out and make a great set and all of a sudden, it’s point Japan.”<\/p>\n

Kiraly added, “We had to dig really deep and that’s what we expect every time against this great Japan team.”<\/p>\n

\"volleyball\"Ran Takahashi in action against Team USA. (\u00a9VOLLEYBALL WORLD)<\/p>\n

Yuji Nishida<\/a> paced Japan with 19 points, including 14 kills, and three blocks. He and US player Merrick McHenry shared the lead in blocks.<\/p>\n

Japan captain Yuki Ishikawa<\/a> had 18 points and a pair of blocks, while Ran Takahashi<\/a> registered 13 points.<\/p>\n

Back-and-Forth Volleyball Showdown<\/p>\n

With a pair of consecutive point-producing spikes by Hanes giving his team a 20-17 lead, the US inched closer to a Game 1 win.<\/p>\n

A return error by Ishikawa accounted for the final point of the opening set.<\/p>\n

Japan rebounded with back-to-back wins in Games 2 and 3. Tillie’s squad played with great energy, transitioning effectively between offense and defense.<\/p>\n

In Game 2, Japan took a 12-9 lead on an Ishikawa spike. Moments later, it held a 16-14 advantage after a Nishida block.<\/p>\n

The USA stayed in the hunt, pulling to within 22-20 on an Anderson kill. But Japan kept responding by scoring points at a quicker pace than its foe en route to a Game 2 triumph.<\/p>\n

\"volleyball\"Jake Hanes of the United States chases down the ball in the five-set semifinal match. (\u00a9VOLLEYBALL WORLD)<\/p>\n

In the third game, Japan jumped out to a 5-1 lead before Team USA found its bearings to rattle off four straight points to even the score at 5-5.<\/p>\n

Japan displayed a more consistently strong level of play in Game 3. For instance, a dynamic Ishikawa block put the team in front 16-13. And Nishida and Takahashi also made a strong impact in this game.<\/p>\n


\n\"Japan<\/a>
\nUS Rallies for the Win<\/p>\n

Determined to force the tiebreaker, US accomplished its goal with a Game 4 triumph. The Americans took a 16-11 lead on a Hanes spike, and stayed in front until they clinched match point.<\/p>\n

Japan had a superb stretch of play in Game 5, a five-point run capped by a Kento Miyaura kill to take its first lead of the deciding set (12-11).<\/p>\n

Moments later, US backup outside hitter Cooper Robinson<\/a> put his team on the brink of victory with a forceful swing as the ball ricocheted off a block attempt. Match point \u2015 a 14-12 advantage for the US.<\/p>\n

Japan’s comeback attempt fell short, with Anderson delivering the final point on the attack.<\/p>\n

Ishikawa Reacts to the Defeat<\/p>\n

\u201dIt was a great match, I think,” Ishikawa said, according to Volleyball World. “First of all, congrats to the US team! We played well, but didn’t get a good result.”<\/p>\n

He then said, “Now we have another match to get a good result tomorrow [against Poland]. We have to clear our minds, and we have to prepare for the match and play better.”<\/p>\n


\n\"Japan<\/a>
\nRELATED:<\/p>\n

Author: Ed Odeven<\/a><\/p>\n

Follow Ed’s [Japan Sports Notebook]<\/a> on Sundays, [Odds and Evens]<\/a> during the week, and he can be found on X (formerly Twitter) \uff20ed_odeven<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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