France ended ROC's winning streak. Poland, Italy and ROC already qualified to quarterfinals in Tokyo
Recap
Volleyball fans all around the world definitely didn't complain about lack of emotions on Friday at Tokyo 2020. Day 4 in the men's event delivered not only thrilling matches, but also the first quarterfinalists - among them already three European teams: Poland, Italy and ROC. Once France keep their chances for a spot alive! Again, all-European clash was one of the highlights of the day, as ROC and France locked horns and it was Laurent Tillie's squad - which was on the edge of elimination before Friday's match - earning a sensational win over powerful ROC. Thus, there is no unbeaten team any more in the men's competition.
Japan vs Poland 0-3 (22-25, 21-25, 24-26)
Poland was the first European team to enter the court in Ariake Arena on Friday and it was an extremely important game for the two-time reigning champions in Pool A. By defeating Japan in straight-sets, Vital Heynen's squad grabbed a spot in quarterfinals. Although Poland dominated in all elements, they had to fight hard against Japan which is known for their impressive technique and defensive skills. But having Wilfredo Leon, top scorer of the match with 17 points (54.55% of efficiency in attack), on the other side of the net, even Japan had to capitulate. The White-and-Reds' offense didn't base only on Leon, as left-handed outside hitter Aleksander Śliwka (13 points) and middle blocker Jakub Kochanowski (11 points and 77.78% of efficiency in attack!) were on fire in the battle against the hosts. In the last game of the preliminary round, Poland will face Canada.
Aleksander Śliwka"I feel more confident and I also think that match by match our game also looks better. From the beginning we were aware that this is a long tournament and we knew that at the beginning our game could be a bit worse, but in every match there would be progress and we can see it. We are getting better and better, we are more organised on the court and we get along with each other. We hope to keep it up."
outside hitter of Poland [by pzps.pl]
Italy vs Iran 3-1 (30-28, 25-21, 21-25, 25-21)
Following in Poland's footsteps, also Italy took things in their hands and with their third win in Pool A, they also qualified to the next phase. It was not an easy day at the office, as Iran tried their best to stop Italy. The best proof of it can be an opening set that ended in extra time with 30-28 for the Rio 2016 silver medallists. Both sides were showing their strength over the net, but eventually Iran managed to prevail only in the fourth part. Italy withstood a pressure being headed by Osmany Juantorena, who once again showed his mastery contributting with 20 points, and Ivan Zaytsev who tallied 12. In their last pool match they will face winless Venezuela.
Luca Vettori"We played well and stayed patient, but even when struggling you can win games against good opponents like this one. Now we have to close the first phase well after all these important victories that we have earned so far. There will be more demanding matches that will help us to grow and improve further."
opposite of Italy [by federvolley.it]
ROC vs France 1-3 (21-25, 25-20, 17-25, 20-25)
In all-European match emotions run high on both sides of the net. ROC and France were extremely motivated, although their situation once entering the court was completely different - ROC, the only undefeated team (until that point) and France playing to stay alive in the competition with only one win. The match was opened with a passionate point-by-point race, but then France started to build their advantage taking the opener. Irritated, ROC set the wheels in motion again, closing the next part confidently. Then something jammed in the ROC's game and France speeded up using their opportunity. Although the team under guidance of Tuomas Sammelvuo were dominant in block and on service line, France headed by their trio Jean Patry (match-high 20 points), Earvin Ngapeth (18) and Trevor Clevenot (17) totally dominated in attack, winning in this skill 62 to 46! Maxim Mikhaylov was the top scorer of ROC with 15 points. ROC, despite suffering a first loss and before their last game against winless Tunisia, have already qualified to the quarterfinals. France have their fate in their own hands, their last rival in the preliminary round will be Brazil, which also had a quarterfinal spot in their pocket. They can also count on their rivals USA and Argentina who can give them a helping hand.
Benjamin Toniutti“The plan was to do our best, we did not start the competition the way we wanted. We were not in a good position before this match, but we just played our game and we played it well. We have reached this point where we had to play against the strongest team in the world, but now we have to hit the reset button and know that we can play against this kind of team. I think we played good in defence and touched a lot of their attacks with our block. We played smart defence."
captain and setter of France [by Volleyball World]
