Tic toc you never stop! A look at Japan’s incredible performance at FIVB Grand Prix 2010
China topped the standing of FIVB Grand Prix 2010 with a total of nine points in the first round of the championship but second preliminary round was totally a different story. The win/loss ratio of matches resulted in the slight change of standings on the chart.
China lost two matches and created space for Japan and Poland to rise up in the standings. China is currently staying at number 4 spot while Japan has proudly settled at number 2. Japan won two matches in the first round but couldn’t prove its iron against defending champion Brazil, which is currently at the top spot in FIVB Grand Prix 2010.
Japan accompanied Poland, Germany and Chinese Taipei in the Group F of second round. In the second pool play matches, Japan competed with the teams from Germany and Chinese Taipei. The Japanese city Okayama was the host of Group F competitions. It provided Japan’s team a huge support of local fans and familiar atmosphere. Moreover, they cleared the stage 2, as an absolute winner on account of their hard-work and commitment.
In the first match, Germany challenged Japan on its home-court for their first match of the second round. The Germans were not in the best form this season, as they could earn just one game victory in the first phase of FIVB Grand Prix 2010. Regardless of their failing luck, the German players took advantage of their height and good physique in order to dominate the Japanese team. They were able to put pressure on Japan by hitting rapid spikes and won the first set after a gruelling battle.
Japan simply blazed in a fury after receiving defeat in front of thousands of its fans. They brainstormed the reason of their failure and made a great come-back in the second set. They brought in their best spikers and came up with a strong attack. The Dutch players were shaken by Japanese reaction and gave in the second set with a margin of 12 points. The game continued and Japanese remained on the same course in final two sets. Japan picked up victory over Germany by claiming a 3-1 victory.
On the next day, Japan clashed with the team, which was fully equipped with all necessary skills to subdue any volleyball team in the tournament, the Poland. The Polish women were among the top teams of FIVB Grand Prix 2010. They outshined in the first week fixtures with much consistency and remained un-beaten. In addition, they won their match against Chinese Taipei in second preliminary round.
Somehow, the Japanese team broke their winning streak and amazed the world with an outstanding performance. The Japanese aces put their body, mind and soul in the game and attained a 3-1 victory over Poland. Japan opened the first set and maintained good lead of four points. The lively hits of Japanese spikers devastated the Polish middle defence. Japan finished the first set after posting 25-19. The second set was a close fight between two utmost rivals. The game shifted to different sides and Poland tied the game points at a certain point. Somehow Japan managed to handle the deadly spikes of Polish captain and won the second set after posting 25-21.
The Polish team prioritized the attack in third set and made Japanese team suffer a defeat. The set ended at 19-25 and game advanced in the final set. The frequent ball-drops by Polish players caused them the loss of the fourth set. The Japanese fans cheered at the brilliant victory of their team on the home-court. The last match was relatively easy for Japan; they over-shadowed the team Chinese Taipei and conquered the match in three-straight sets.
Japan is currently holding the second spot on the FIVB Grand Prix 2010 standings.
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