Japan suffers home loss in opening match of 2012 FIVB World League – Volleyball news
Men’s national volleyball team of Japan suffered a 3-0 (22-25, 26-28, 20-25) defeat from Cuba in the opening match of the 2012 FIVB World League on Friday.
The Hamamatsu Arena in Hamamatsu, Japan provided the backdrop for the match but the hosts failed to delight the home audience. Japan and Cuba shared the same court for ninth time in the history of FIVB World League. Ironically, Japan failed to break the
ice and once again dropped the decision in Cuba’s favour. A crowd of around 1,800 people watched the match between Cuba and Japan at Hamamatsu Arena.
Skipper of Cuban team Leon Venero Wilfredo performed exquisitely well and totalled 19 points. He was named the top-scorer of the match. His teammate Ramos Fernando Hernandez also staged eye-catching and created enough trouble for opponents. He added 11 spikes,
three blocks, and a service ace to complete 15 points in the match.
On the Japanese team, Fukuzawa and Takahiro Yamamoto went into double-figures. Fukuzawa registered team-high 17 points, while Yamamoto added contributed 12 points.
Visiting team opened the match on a high note and influenced the hosts with flurry of commanding shots. The fine delivery of aces and spikes helped Cuba to earn early advantage over Japan. Hernandez made good use of his hands and poked the ball in right
areas, where Japanese players had no chance to dig or dive. Japan initially trailed behind with a gap of three points at 7-10.
In the next run, Cuba rallied to 17-13 and stretched the gap of points. In the meantime, Japanese team resisted in full force and jumped on ever little opportunity to score points. They managed to shorten the difference of points but Cuba closed opening
set at 25-23.
In the second set of the match, hosts hit back aggressively and picked up lead over Cuba. They kept the lead in hand for better time but eventually Cuba bounced back in the game. Caribbean hitters found their way back into the game and pushed Japan behind.
After a tough competition, Cuba extended its lead to 2-0 by winning second set at 28-26.
Third set was incredible close from its beginning to end but home team could not rise. Cuba posted 25-20 on board in third set and claimed 3-0 win.
Cuban coach Orlando Samuells Blackwood disclosed his thoughts after the match. He stated, “First of all I’d like to commend my players. There was not enough time between their arrival here in Japan and this game today. But they responded well, and were in
good condition. But Japan did well. But we stole the second set, and that was great for us. We got many point through strong blocking as well.”
Tags: