The Polish national volleyball team emerged victorious from the clash with the always unpredictable Japan team in their second match of the Nations League. Although difficult at times, Nikola Grbi\u0107's proteges won the match 3:1 (27:25, 25:22, 18:25, 39:37), without losing any points. Artur Szalpuk distinguished himself with key plays in the tense finish of the last set. The victory brought the \u201cwhite-reds\u201d 4.18 points in the FIVB world ranking.
Magnificent comeback in the first set
The match started evenly at 3:3, after Kento Miyaura successfully attacked down the wing. The Japanese first took a two-point lead thanks to an ace by captain Shomi Tomita (7:5). The Asians played confidently and at a high tempo. At 11:8 for Japan, coach Grbi\u0107 called a timeout, but this did not significantly change the Poles' game. Errors in serve and difficulties in defense led to 16:11 for Japan. Gradually, Poland began to recover, and Jakub Nowak scored several important points (18:21). After four saved set points (24:24), the Poles turned the tide and won 27:25 after a brilliant play.
Stable play and second set won
The Poles started the second set confidently (4:2), with Nowak and Jakubiszak showing strong play in the middle. After a short break due to a minor finger injury, Szalpuk returned to play. The game became even (11:11), but after a block by Nowak over Nishimoto, Poland took the lead (18:16). Strong play by Shimura and a good block allowed the \u201cwhite-reds\u201d to close the set at 25:22 after an error by Otsuki.
Rotations and Japan's dominance in the third set
Japan's coach, Laurent Tillie, made a number of substitutions that paid off. Nishimoto and Masato Kai got off to a flying start (5:2). The Japanese took advantage of a lapse in concentration by the Poles, who accumulated errors and allowed their opponents to take a 15:10 lead. Excellent defense and a strong serve by Kai led to 22:14, and the set concluded at 25:18 after a technical shot by Keihan Takahashi.
A true volleyball drama in the fourth set
Poland started the fourth set motivated (4:1) and quickly built up a lead (14:9). Szalpuk excelled in both attack and block. Nevertheless, the Japanese did not give up \u2013 with a series by Kai the score became 19:14, and a little later 23:22. After a hotly contested series of over 10 plays at 24:24, the set stretched to 39:37 in favor of Poland. This was the most dramatic part of the match with numerous serves, saved balls, and tension until the last shot.
Final score: Poland - Japan 3:1
(27:25, 25:22, 18:25, 39:37)
Strong defense and mental resilience at the end were crucial for the Poles' victory. The team's next match will be key to solidifying their position at the top of the standings.
| Statistics | Poland | Japan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attacks | 66 | 67 | |
| Blocks | 14 | 3 | |
| Aces from serve | 0 | 6 | |
| Opponent errors | 29 | 33 | |
| Total points | 109 | 109 |
| Skill | Poland | Japan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digs | 66 | 82 | |
| Receptions | 91 | 81 | |
| Sets | 125 | 132 |
| Player | Points | Player | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sasak (No. 35) | 20 | Kai (No. 15) | 18 | |
| Szalpuk (No. 12) | 16 | Keihan (No. 24) | 13 |
| Skill | Poland | Japan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saves | 66 | 82 | |
| Receptions | 91 | 81 | |
| Sets | 125 | 132 |
🔴Poland:
Sasak (No. 35) – 20 points – leading scorer for the team, with a key role in offense.
Szalpuk (No. 12) – 16 points – stable in both offense and defense, especially in crucial moments.
🔵
Kai (No. 15) – 18 points – top scorer for his team, strong in both serving and attacking.
Keihan (No. 24) – 13 points – important contribution in the third game, when Japan narrowed the gap.
picture:volleyballworld.com
