Volleyball Thriller: US Edges Japan in the Nations League Semifinals

Japan took a tournament-best 13-0 record into its marquee showdown with the United States in the FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League semifinals on Saturday, August 1.

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.

On Sunday, the volleyball tournament will wrap up with Japan seeking its third VNL medal ― after earning a bronze in 2023 and a silver in 2024.

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

In the final, the United States and Poland will meet for the top prize on the same day.

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.

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

"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."

Clearly, recollections of the most recent match between the two volleyball squads were fresh on the players' and coaches' minds in Ningbo.

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.

Top Performances in the Semifinal

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 (20 kills) and Taylor Averill (nine) were the heavy hitters.

Kiraly commended his players for their banner performance against Japan.

"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."

Kiraly added, "We had to dig really deep and that's what we expect every time against this great Japan team."

Yuji Nishida paced Japan with 19 points, including 14 kills, and three blocks. He and US player Merrick McHenry shared the lead in blocks.

Japan captain Yuki Ishikawa had 18 points and a pair of blocks, while Ran Takahashi registered 13 points.

Back-and-Forth Volleyball Showdown

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.

A return error by Ishikawa accounted for the final point of the opening set.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

US Rallies for the Win

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.

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).

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

Japan's comeback attempt fell short, with Anderson delivering the final point on the attack.

Ishikawa Reacts to the Defeat

”It 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."

He then said, "Now we have another match to get a good result tomorrow [against Slovenia]. We have to clear our minds, and we have to prepare for the match and play better."