Japan beat USA in the bronze medal match at the FIVB Women’s World Championship 2010 (part 2)
Continued from part 1...
Third Set
The home-side recovered from the shock of defeat with second-set victory. They opened the third with confident shots and scored the early four points of the game. On the other hand, USA tried to regain their lost pride and formed good combination of offensive
attack. Larson and Hooker worked out nice shots and chased the score. Somehow, Japan proved to be a tough rival and didn’t allow USA to surpass. Besides, the U.S. team suffered the set back on account of too many ball-handling errors. Japan kept an upper hand
on USA and played in a great style. The U.S. team improved in reception and controlled the unforced errors. With the help of sensible play, they were able to tie the score at 10-10. Afterwards, American team found the perfect rhythm and tone to make progress
in the game. They added quick points and picked up a lead of 15-14.
Logan Tom spotted the rare gaps in Japan’s half and directed the ball toward targeted areas. The American lead extended to 19-16, which forced Japan’s head coach to call for a timeout. The team sat and discussed the weak points during the timeout. Despite
of trying different methods, Japan failed to overcome the power of their competitors. The U.S. team exhibited great hand work and led the game with a score of 23-18. They could sense the smell of victory, so they attacked with more ferocity to end the set.
Japan tried hard but couldn’t avoid the chances of defeat in third set and USA once again took the lead in game (2-1).
Fourth Set
The fourth set was the real test for Japan as pressure was building up. The local fans wanted better status for their team. Japan began the strike by producing strong serves and received huge audience’s applause by taking a lead of 6-2. With consecutive
attack attempts from Saori Kimura and excellent defence of Kaori Inoue, Japan leaped at 9-5. U.S. team gradually became more defensive than being attacking. As a result Japan got in power and stretched their lead to 11-7. The spectacular delivery of shots
by Japanese hitters created frenzy in the game. The fans screamed out their lungs at every winning shot. Japan continued with hard-hitting and Yoshi Takshita supplied enough power to the ball, in order to score points for Japan. They widened the gap of points
to 16-10, while USA seemed helpless in the hands of Japanese spikers.
Japan barred American spikes right on the net and returned the ball in their court. In addition, the incredible digging and diving of Sano and Saori proved an extra edge for home-team. USA added two more points but Japan led the game with a margin of 8 points.
The U.S. team contributed two more points and hit the scoreboard with 14 points but Japan quickly covered the length of fourth set and touched the finish line. The prolific hits and convincing shots enabled Japan to declare victory 25-19.
Fifth Set
Both teams entered the most influential and decisive fifth set. It was the only chance for anyone of them to survive as the score was levelled at 2-2 after four-set game. The 15-point golden set was opened with long rallies. USA opened the game with good
tactics and earned a lead of 2-1. Japan hit back and snatched points to build a lead of 5-3. The U.S. team suffered damage on account of reception errors, while Japan moved up and pushed the score to 8-5. USA fought bravely but failed to put up with the smashing
hits of Yukiko Ebata. Japan took the game to a different level and closed the fifth set with 15-8 victory. The FIVB Grand Prix winner earlier this year, the U.S. team was forced to be content with fourth position in the FIVB Women’s World Championship 2010.
The hosts Japan celebrated the bronze medal victory.
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