Japan finishes the London Olympics with bronze medal victory – Volleyball News
Japan women’s Olympic volleyball team made a clean sweep in the third position match against Korea on Saturday. Japanese musketeers posted 25-22, 26-24, and 25-21 on board and earned winning status in straight sets.
The action took place at the Earls Court in London, while more than 13,000 fans were in presence. The match continued for about 83 minutes and finally favoured Japan. Korean team staged a close fight with Japan, but ended up on the losing side.
Japan’s Saori Sakoda came into stride with Korean Kim Yeon-Koung. Both players displayed their amazing tactics on the net and created a lot of fun for the spectators. Sakoda came on top with a total of 23 points, while Yeon-Koung finished with 22 points.
Likewise, Japan’s Saori Kimura and Risa Shinnabe contributed 11 points apiece. Korea also had another player in double digits in the form of Han Song-Yi with 10 points.
The team coached by Masayoshi Manabe made a great opening in the match and influenced Korean opponents with a variety of attack shots and serves. Korea lagged behind with a deficit of four points in the first few minutes. Gradually, the game picked up pace
as Korean hit back. Furthermore, the exchange of long rallies started and both teams struggled for points. Eventually, Japan managed to overcome the rival side and claimed first set (25-22).
Second set featured the same action,while scoring remained tight. The result was not different either as Japan captured set-2 at 26-24. In the third set, Korea put in a lot of effort and tried to save the match. However, Japanese squad won third set and
announced settled for bronze medal victory.
Japanese coach Masayoshi Manabe commented: “Teamwork was the key to our victory. Our Players performed extremely well. My brain got so empty when the match was over. I have tried many different things in the last three and a half years, I have put tough
training to them too. But I think I could have given some pleasure to them by this victory. Today was the last day of the last three and a half years. Of course we needed to think of win or lose but I let them enjoy the particular last day of these Olympics.”
Meanwhile, the coach of Korean team Kim Hyung Sil had his say about the match and overall performance of his team during the 2012 London Olympic Games. He praised the determination and commitment of his team. He especially took the name of Kim Yeon-Koung
and appreciated her stellar feat. The coach regarded her as one of the best players in the world, which was indeed a great compliment. According to head volleyball coach of Korean team, Kim Yeon-Koung helped Korean volleyball to reach the next level.
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