In a thrilling opener at the FIVB Men’s Volleyball Nations League in Xi’an, sixth-ranked Japan swept hosts the Chinese mainland 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-22), leaving local fans stunned on Wednesday.
Despite leading midway through the third set, the Chinese mainland side couldn’t claw back momentum. Coach Vital Heynen expressed frustration: “We outperformed Japan in some stats, but we didn’t seize our chances. Unnecessary mistakes and lack of team cohesion cost us.”
After a tight first set, errors piled up in the second, and the home team couldn’t maintain its early rhythm. “Pressure got to us,” added Heynen. “We have to trust our training and play smart under stress.”
Up next, the Chinese mainland will face Serbia, fresh off a 3-1 victory over Türkiye (12-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-23).
Meanwhile, top-ranked Poland kicked off its Xi’an campaign with a 3-1 win over the 13th-ranked Netherlands. Two sets went to 25-22 tiebreakers before Poland sealed the deal. Outside hitter Artur Szalpuk led the charge with 19 points: “It was emotional for many making their VNL debut, but we stayed focused and took three crucial points.”
With another tough match against Japan on the horizon, both sides will be looking to fine-tune their tactics and keep up the intensity in this highly competitive field.
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Japan sweep hosts China at Men's Volleyball Nations League in Xi'an
cgtn.com
