Women's Volleyball FIVB Nations League 2018

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Day 05

China 3-1  Thailand (25-23 / 26-24 / 22-25 / 25-17)

 

 

 

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Day 05 
 

 Turkey 3-1  Dominican Republic (25-20 / 17-25 / 25-20 / 25-19)

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DAY 05 SUMMARY

 

 UNITED STATES 3-0 NETHERLANDS 

 

 

Toyota, Japan, May 23, 2018 - Jordan Larson provided a sublime demonstration of her immense skill and inspiring leadership as she spearheaded the United States to a hugely impressive 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-23) romp against the Netherlands in the inaugural women's FIVB Volleyball Nations League on Wednesday.

 

The American captain dominated the highly-anticipated Pool 5 clash against the previously undefeated Dutch as she racked up a game-high 18 points, including 14 spikes from 37 attempts, as well as two blocks.

 

Larson's fellow outside hitter Kimberley Hill was also in irresistible form, scoring the first point in each of the three sets, giving her world no. 2 ranked team the vital early lead, as she finished with 12 kills.

 

The Dutch had been the only unbeaten team in the new competition, winning all three of their matches in Russia last week, then saving a match point before beating Belgium in a five-set thriller in Toyota on Tuesday, but found the Americans too strong on the night.

 

The Dutch captain Maret Balkestein-Grothues was the driving force for her team, finishing with 14 points, while opposite spiker Lonneke Sloetjes was the next best with 12.

 

The US had won their last eight matches at world level major tournaments against the Netherlands dating back to 2009 and immediately signalled their intentions to make it nine on the trot.

 

With Lauren Gibbemeyer missing the match and Michelle Bartsch-Hackley playing only as a substitute after the pair played the starring roles in USA's 3-0 win over Japan on Tuesday, Kelly Murphy (10), Foluke Akinradewo (8) and Tetori Dixon (6) filled the void with a combined tally of 24 points.

 

USA raced out to a 10-5 lead and sealed the opening set after just 22 minutes with a cleverly disguised dink from Larson after she combined with American setter Carli Lloyd, who played a key role in her team's victory.

 

The Dutch, who got six points each from the athletic trio of Anne Buijs, Yvon Belien and Nicole Kool, played better the longer the match went but were unable to close out a set.

 

The Netherlands led 15-14 in the second before the Americans went on a run of five points to regain control, then the Dutch rallied back from 19-12 to 19-19 before Akinradewo sealed the USA's win with a devastating block.

 

The USA's next match is against Belgium on Thursday while the Netherlands faces the pool hosts Japan.

 

ITALY 3-0  GERMANY 

 

 

Suwon, South Korea, May 23, 2018 - An energetic all-round performance from Miryam Fatime Sylla inspired Italy to their first triumph of the FIVB Volleyball Nations League with a  3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-20) victory over Germany on Wednesday.

 

Inserted into the starting line-up after a lively showing off the bench against Russia on Tuesday, Sylla showcased powerful offence juxtaposed by resilient defence to help end Italy's four-match drought at the VNL.

 

Sylla provided a slew of highlight reels through unwavering passion and hustle to thrill the sparse crowd at the Suwon Indoor Gymnasium. She finished with 15 points, including 11 spikes and 3 kill blocks, but her influence could not be totally reflected on the scorecard due to the wing spiker's fanatical hustle.

 

She was the clear standout but Italy had numerous tireless contributors, including Serena Ortolani (13 points) and Marina Lubian (12 points). 

 

Germany competed hard but were outplayed by their buoyant opponents to lose their second match in the second phase of the VNL. They were led by star Louisa Lippmann (15 points) but dynamic captain Maren Fromm was well held with just 8 points. 

 

It was an important victory for Italy, who had started the VNL disastrously with four straight losses to sit second last on the overall standings behind Argentina heading into this fixture. Conversely, after a momentous upset of powerhouse Brazil in the opening match of the VNL, Germany have now lost four straight and their campaign is spiralling out of control. 

 

Italy's dominance of their European foes continued with their 11th victory from the past 12 matches at the world level, including an unbeaten run stretching six years. 

 

In a clash of two desperate teams, a hungry Italy started strong with Rossella Olivotto and Sylla proving tough to pass at the net as they built an early four-point buffer. However, an aggressive Germany were not rattled and continued to throw haymakers, including most memorably winning a 33-second rally to get within a point midway through the opening set. 

 

There wasn't much separating the teams with players exuding vigour marked by Lippmann diving in desperation to engineer a German point to level the scores. Lippmann was seemingly everywhere and she showed off her aerial prowess to hammer home a spike to give her team the early edge.

    

However, Italy hit back but were erratic at times none more so than the mercurial Sylla, who followed a thunderous spike with a service error. Sylla, who was clearly enjoying her starting role, had undoubtedly helped energise her team through her power at the net as Italy won four points in succession to claim the first set in 29 minutes. 

 

Italy's momentum carried over into the second set to build an early four-point lead marked by a booming spike from high-flying Ortolani. Sylla continued to inspire her team through hustle and continual brilliant saves made amends for the occasional error as Italy eyed an invaluable two-set lead.  

 

In trademark fashion, Germany kept fighting hard but Italy had all the answers as Ortolani produced a kill block to once again stretch her team's lead to four points. Sylla's thundering spike, her sixth point of the stanza, fuelled Italy to a two-set lead as they sensed an end to their VNL drought. 

 

Full of belief, Italy continued their dominance and overcame the gritty Germans, who never stopped trying in the third set but lacked the precision of their opponents - particularly on serve. In a mirror image of the previous two sets, Italy held the edge and they celebrated with gusto when Lippmann served long on match point. 

 

The teams will round out the second phase on Thursday with Germany taking on Russia and Italy playing hosts Korea.

 

SERBIA 3-1  POLAND

 

 

Macao, China, May 23, 2018 - Serbia dug deep and had star Brankica Mihajlovic's magic to thank as they overcame Poland 3-1 (20-25, 27-25, 26-24, 25-15) on the 2018 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League's second night of action in Macao. 

 

There were assorted problems with Mihajlovic's ball toss throughout the match but - apart from maybe weighing on her mind overnight - they were of little matter in the end as she contributed 17 points to the total.

 

The 27-year-old's reach helps makes the world number-three ranked Serbia a potent force.

 

Mihajlovic was more than ably supported by Ana Bjelica (15 points) and a spirited effort from middle blocker Jovana Stevanovic (14 points) and a record so far of 4-1 will have coach Zoran Terzic happy enough with his team's progression.

 

They face world number one China in their final Pool 7 game in Macao on Thursday and it promises plenty as it's a rematch of the Rio Olympics final, won by the Chinese.

 

For the Poles there was the disappointment of knowing they served for the set in each of the first three stanzas despite falling behind 1-2. 

 

Malwina Smarzek (17 points) was again the star despite the defeat and an overall record of 2-3 so far in the VNL perhaps doesn't reflect how much potential is in this squad.

 

The big question coming in was what version of Poland fans would see on the second day of play in Macao, the world-beaters who topped the number-one ranked Chinese or the team that in normal circumstances is ranked 22nd in the world.

 

The Poles came out flying in the first set, using the placement and accuracy that had brought the Chinese undone the night before. But the Serbs, who have looked out of sorts despite only losing one match so far in the VNL, gradually found their rhythm.

 

When she finds her groove Mihajlovic is one of the premier players on the planet and on Wednesday she was responsible for some breathtaking displays of power, something no doubt noted by position coaches whose teams look set to draw the Serbs as the tournament progresses.

 

 SOUTH KOREA 3-0 RUSSIA

 

 

 

Suwon, South Korea, May 23, 2018 - Another standout performance from Kim Yeon Koung guided Korea to a rare triumph over Russia as the hosts notched their fourth straight victory of the FIVB Volleyball Nations League on Wednesday. 

 

The inspirational captain was at her brilliant best throughout the Pool 6 encounter, particularly during the tense third set, as she led Korea to a convincing 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-17) win to provide plenty of cheer for the local fans.

 

Kim scored 10 of her 21 points in the third stanza meaning she has mustered 50 points in the second phase. She was well supported by Kim Su Ji (4 blocks) and Jaeyeong Lee (9 spikes) as Korea overpowered their world number 5 opponents. 

 

Russia were paced by Irina Fetisova's 12 points but they had a number of players struggle, including star Irina Voronkova and captain Kseniia Parubets who combined for just 12 points. 

 

In the 50th match between the teams, the contest loomed as a blockbuster with home strong Korea coming in with a trio of victories, while Russia's sole defeat was to in-form Netherlands in the first phase. 

 

Russia had long been a hoodoo team for Korea winning 43 of the previous 49 encounters, including three straight over the past four years, but were outclassed by the 2014 Asian Games champions who have now stretched their unbeaten run at the Suwon Indoor Gymnasium to eight matches.  

 

Russia made a spectacular start with the powerful Voronkova continuing on from her starring role against Italy on Tuesday with an emphatic spike to immediately silence the energetic crowd.

 

Perhaps due to the swirl of anticipation in the stadium, both teams started nervously with the play marred by a slew of errors in the early going. 

 

Soon enough, the vaunted teams started to find their range with a deft touch from Voronkova juxtaposed by a thunderous spike from the high-flying Jeongah Park as the hosts rattled off a quick five points to open up a handy buffer much to the delight of their ardent fans.  

  

Middle blocker Su Ji was impregnable at the net with a couple of early kill blocks as Korea started to take control of the contest but Russia remained in touch due to the efforts of Parubets, who showcased a masterclass in precision with one notable spike. 

 

Undoubtedly fuelled by the support in the stands, an attacking Korea rattled their opponents through a lethal combination of power and dogged defence. Kim stretched the margin to a sizeable six points with a perfect put away down the line and, soon enough, Korea - despite the best efforts of the explosive Voronkova - closed out the first set in 31 minutes. 

 

After a quiet start, middle blocker Ekaterina Efimova tried to rally her team with a couple of spikes to open the second set but Korea regained control with starring efforts from the leaping Lee and Kim, whose jump serve menaced as the hosts enjoyed a commanding 12-3 lead.

   

Just when Russia appeared to be struggling, Fetisova lifted her output and helped trim the deficit as the match tightened but several errors from the visitors proved costly. Threatened by a Russian charge, Korea rediscovered their blistering best capped off by a sizzling 86 kph ace from Sohwi Kang, whose mesmerising serve was proving a handful, as the hosts powered to an invaluable two-set lead. 

 

Ensuring they maintained a stranglehold of the contest, Kim dominated through a slew of decisive blocks to deny the visitors. Russia gamely tried to engineer a comeback but were unable to pierce a gutsy Korea, who were hustling and diving with great vigour. The rallies intensified with Kim's deft touch capping off a pulsating 26-second rally to give Korea a 13-9 lead as the spectators jumped to their feet.

 

Korea had all the answers and eventually wrapped up the comprehensive victory through a stellar serve from Lee Hyo Hee to spark a wave of euphoria from the capacity crowd. 

 

The teams will round out the second phase on Thursday with Russia taking on a slumping Germany and Korea playing a rejuvenated Italy. 

 

 

 JAPAN 3-0  BELGIUM 

 

 

Toyota, Japan, May 23, 2018 - Propelled by sensational performances from Risa Shinnabe and Sarina Koga, Japan posted their first win at home in the inaugural women's FIVB Volleyball Nations League with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-20, 25-19) victory over Belgium on Wednesday.

 

The two Japanese wing spikers combined for 28 points, with Shinnabe leading the way with 16, highlighted by 15 kills. Koga finished with 12 kills despite being substituted in the second set as the Pool 5 hosts bounced back after Tuesday's loss to the United States to beat the Yellow Tigers in straight sets.

 

Her replacement Yuki Ishii made an immediate impact, racking up eight points in quick time, while Mai Okumura was a constant threat at the net, finishing with nine.

 

Teenager Britt Herbots was once again at the heart of Belgium's challenge, picking up a game-high 17 points to overtake Kaja Grobelna as her team's  leading overall pointscorer in the tournament.

 

The 18-year-old, showing no signs of fatigue as she leapt, ran and dived all over the court, also scoring off two blocks, was well supported by Celine Van Gestel, who finished with nine points, and Grobelna, who tallied six.

 

The Belgians suffered a gut-wrenching loss to the Netherlands on Tuesday when they were beaten 3-2 after failing to convert a match point in the fourth set and were unable to raise their game against a Japanese side that enjoyed the bulk of support from the enthusiastic crowd at the Sky Hall.

 

The Japanese captain Nana Iwasaka clinched the first set with a perfectly executed spike that found a way past the Belgian blockers then Okumura made it 2-0 with an unstoppable angled hit from the net.

 

With Marlies Janssens leading the defence and the acrobatic Herbots starting to find some gaps at the back of the opponents' court, the Yellow Tigers took the lead in the third set but were overhauled by the hosts who picked up maximum points.

 

Japan's next match is against the Netherlands on Thursday while Belgium faces the daunting challenge of playing the in-form US, who beat the previously unbeaten Dutch 3-0 earlier on Wednesday and are yet to drop a set in Toyota.

 

BRAZIL 3-0 ARGENTINA 

 

 

Ankara, Turkey, May 23, 2018 - Monique Marinho Pavao was the star of the show as Brazil continued their hot streak in the women's FIVB Volleyball Nations League after battering South American rivals Argentina in straight sets 3-0 (25-9, 25-21, 25-14) in Ankara.

 

It was a classy and ruthless performance from the 2017 FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix winners who are starting to motor after claiming their 4th straight win in the inaugural competition, and few would bet against them from matching their Grand Prix gold from last year if they continue in this rich vein of form. Argentina, ranked 11th in the world, are still awaiting their first point after 5 successive losses in what's been a chastening campaign for Guillermo Orduna's women thus far.

 

Brazil rested a few of their star players, but the likes of Monique, Ana Beatriz and captain Roberta Silva were instrumental as they had far too much attacking verve for a beleaguered Argentina side. Monique's attacking prowess yielded 16 points, while Amanda Francisco weighed in with 12; Carol and Beatriz were pivotal blockers with three and two respectively. 

 

Elina Rodriguez led Argentina's scoring charts with eight points, but the dangerous Anahi Tosi (four points) was kept relatively quiet with Argentina suffering a torrid afternoon inside the Baskent Volleyball Hall in the Turkish capital.

 

Brazil were pushed hard by Pool 8 hosts Turkey on Tuesday in an enthralling four-set victory that lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes, but they looked fresh from the off against Argentina and scored 8 straight points to power into a 10-2 lead. With Drussyla Costa and Tandara Caixeta starting on the sidelines, it was up to Monique to provide the firepower and she didn't disappoint. Aided by the tireless setter Roberta and ably supported by Beatriz and Amanda Francisco, Monique was superb at the net and powered home eight points in the first set alone as Brazil took the opener 25-9 after only 20 minutes. Argentina - error-strewn and lacking confidence - were unable to even reach double figures.

 

Brazil coach Jose Roberto Guimaraes, who has led his country to three Olympic gold medals - two for the women's team and one for the men's - would've had an easy team talk at the end of the first set, but Argentina came out with much more urgency in the second and put their rivals under considerable pressure. With the scores locked at 9-9, Carol's superb block put the Brazilians back in front and they managed to eek out a 14-11 lead before Argentina coach Orduna called a time out. But very little changed with Brazil - marshalled by impressive libero Suelen Pinto - able to keep the Volleyball Nations League's bottom side at arm's length with Monique the reliable scoring outlet, and Beatriz contributing with some superb blocks. Brazil duly wrapped up the second set 25-20 to move to the brink of victory. 

 

Argentina had never taken a set off Brazil at world level in six competitive meetings and they never looked likely to change that unwanted stat. Monique's powerful spike, which connected with Argentine setter Helena Vidal's face, just about summed up Argentina's afternoon as Brazil opened up a 3-1 lead in the 3rd, and that lead was out to 8-4 by the first technical time out after another Monique spike. Brazil kept up their ruthless mix of silky attacking and tenacious defending and a wonderful 39.3-second rally was finished off brilliantly by Amanda to bring up match point. And Guimaraes' women finished off the third set 25-14 to wrap up an emphatic three-set victory - their 7th successive straight-sets win over their South American rivals at world level. Brazil's win - achieved in only 1 hour and 20 minutes - means they've now lost just two of 32 world-level fixtures played in Europe.

 

 CHINA 3-1  THAILAND 

 

 

Macao, China, May 23, 2018 - China looked to captain Liu Xiaotong and she duly delivered with 17 points and, just as important, a calming presence as the world's number one ranked team downed a spirited Thailand 3-1 (25-23, 26-24, 22-25, 25-17) at the 2018 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League in Macao.

Liu came up big when it mattered as the world 16th-ranked Thais had the Chinese second-guessing each other as they worked some acute angles. 

The captain was ably supported by wing spiker Fang Duan (15 points) and middle blocker Hu Mingyuan (15 points) but time and again the Chinese just couldn't seem to put the ball away, when opportunities were there for the taking.  

Put that down to pressure and the passion with which the Thais play. They kept coming back at their more illustrious opponents and had Chatchu-On Moksri (13 points) and Ajcharaporn Kongyot (12 points) in particular working their socks off all night as they flew in from the wings.

A huge rally to end the fourth set, finished with a killer's instinct by Ajcharaporn, provided arguably the highlight of the tournament so far.  

But the Chinese squad is deep with talent - Tuesday night's star Li Yingying was basically given a night off - and the likes of Liu have seen and done it all before.

The 28-year-old captain and wing spiker could be seen rallying her charges as the game played out in the fourth set and they rose to the occasion.

The victory snapped a 0-2 streak for the world number one ranked Chinese, who had lost to South Korea (3-0) last week in Ningbo and then to unfancied Poland (3-2) the previous night in Macao.

Chinese coach Lang has mixed and matched her squad, opting to give China' new generation of players plenty of court time. But it is a move that has impacted on their normal free-flowing game.

Ahead of the Chinese in Macao now waits Serbia, the team they beat for gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and another team who have been slow to reach top form as the VNL has played out into its second week.

 

TURKEY 3-1  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 

 

 

Ankara, Turkey, May 23, 2018 - Gamze Alikaya's wonderful individual performance inspired Turkey to a rare home victory as they saw off the Dominican Republic in 4 sets (25-20, 17-25, 25-20, 25-19) in the FIVB women's Nations League at the Baskent Volleyball Hall in Ankara.

 

Turkey were good value for their victory and showed real tenacity and courage to recover from Tuesday's defeat to Brazil in the same arena as they posted a 4th victory in 5 Nations League matches. Dominican Republic were a threat from spike range, but their form from Tuesday's impressive 3-0 victory over Argentina largely deserted them as they were outgunned by the hosts, whose victory sparked jubilant scenes at the final whistle.

 

Seyma Ercan was Turkey's top scorer with 17 points, including 16 spikes, but it was setter Alikaya's display which provided the creative spark to propel the hosts to an impressive victory. Libero Hatice Orge Guner was a pivotal figure defensively, while Zehra Gunes (15 points) and Hande Baladin (14 points) were excellent attacking outlets as Giovanni Guidetti's girls added attacking flair to their renowned defensive strength and blocking capabilities.

 

Dominican Republic were indebted to their Nations League top scorer Brayelin Martinez, who chipped in with a game-high 26 points. Yonkaira Pena Isabel weighed in with 15 points, but their attacking verve wasn't enough as they were too often carved open - with their serving particularly erratic.

 

The first set was a slow burner with neither side able to get a stranglehold. Pena Isabel was a menace for the Dominican Republic and she tied it up at 8-8, but 5 straight points for the Turks, including 3 successive spikes from Ercan, put the host nation 13-8 in front and in control. Alikaya's creativity and the sound defensive work of Orge Guner were providing the bedrock while Meryem Boz was the early attacking force, but the visitors were always a threat with Martinez firing home a few powerful spikes. Turkey though weathered the storm and took the first set 25-20.

 

The Caribbean nation, who came into this match having won only once in their opening 4 Nations League encounters, came out all guns blazing in the 2nd set with Martinez - who's 6ft 7inches tall - increasingly prolific with her spikes as the visitors reached the first technical time out 8-3 in front. That lead increased further with the Dominican Republic utilising their power as Lisvel Eve crashed home a spike to make it 16-10. The visitors' Brazilian coach Marcos Kwiek was enjoying what he was seeing. Martinez showed her subtle side with a wonderful finish to push her team onto the 20-point mark, and they went from strength to strength to finish off the set at a canter (25-17) and level the match at one set apiece.

 

Turkey, who had won just 1 of their last 10 home matches at world level, looked jittery at the start of the 3rd set, but a couple of points from captain Erdem Dundar had them 8-7 in front at the first technical time out. But the Caribbean nation, who had won 9 of their previous 12 matches in Europe prior to this contest, levelled the set at 12-12, only for Turkey to score 3 successive points to regain control. With visiting libero Ana Binet struggling under intense Turkish serving, the hosts managed to forge a lead with Gunes providing 2 crucial blocks. Guidetti's players wrapped up the set 25-20 to move to within touching distance of victory.

 

Turkey had a 5-1 winning record against Dominican Republic prior to this match and they sensed victory again with a ferocious start to the 4th set. With Baladin increasingly influential, the hosts built up a sizeable 4-point lead at the first technical time out. The Caribbeans were continuing to make service errors, but their aerial scoring power always made them a threat and it took real Turkish resilience to put them away. Alikaya's majestic touch made it 16-11 as Dominican Republic heads began to drop, and Turkey moved through the gears to wrap up the set 25-19 in relatively serene fashion to seal just a 2nd home win in 11 attempts. The hosts move up to 4th place in the Nations League table, while it's back to the drawing board for the Dominican Republic who have just 1 win from 5 outings.

 

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PRELIMINARY ROUND STANDINGS
after 5 played matches

System:
1. CHINA is automaticaly qualified as final 6 Host.
2. TOP 5 TEAMS after the preliminary round qualify for the final round.
3. If China is among the top 5 teams , THE 6-th RANKED TEAM also qualifies.

4. The 12 CORE TEAMS can not be relegated.

4. The WEAKEST PLACED  CHALLENGER team may be relegated from the competition if they lose the relegation playoff against the FIVB Challenger Cup (to be  played at a later date) winner.

Tie-Break Criteria:

1.Matches Won/Lost Ratio (MW/ML)
2. Points Achieved (3 PTS = 3:0 or 3:1 win ; 2 PTS = 3:2 win ; 1PTS = 2:3 defeat ; 0PTS = 0:3 or 1:3 defeat)
3. Set Ratio.

 

 

	Nation	MW	ML	PTS	SET
1.		4	1	13	14:4
2.		4	1	12	13:5
3.		4	1	12	13:6
4.		4	1	11	13:6
5.		4	1	11	12:6
6.		4	1	11	12:6
7.	QUALIFIED	3	2	10	11:7
8.		3	2	9	9:8
9.	CHALLENGER	2	3	6	8:11
10.		2	3	6	7:10
11.	CHALLENGER	2	3	4	8:13
12.	CHALLENGER	1	4	5	8:12
13		1	3	4	5:12
14:		1	4	3	6:12
15		1	4	3	5:13
16:	: CHALLENGER	0	5	0	2:15

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WOMEN'S Week 2, day 3 SCHEDULE (24 MAY 2018)

all times are CEST

 

08:40  United States -  Belgium

09:00  Germany -  Russia

11:30  Poland - Thailand 
12:00  South Korea - : Italy 

12:10  Japan -  Netherlands

13:00  Dominican Republic-  Brazil

14:00  China - Serbia 

16:00  Turkey -  Argentina 

 

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Day 06

United States 3-0  Belgium (25-11 / 25-18 / 25-17)

 

 

 

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Day 06

 

Russia 3-1  Germany (19-25 / 25-21 / 25-15 / 25-23)

 

 

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Day 6

Italy 3-0  South Korea (25-17 / 25-21 / 25-21 )

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Day 06 

Netherlands 3-0  Japan (25-18 / 25-18 / 25-21)

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Day 06

Thailand 3-2  Poland (25-22 / 21-25 / 25-23 / 21-25 / 16-14)