The Japan National Team fulfilled the role of the favorite against the hosts Italy on Day 5 of the 2021 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League but did it only after a huge struggle.
On the fifth day of the 2021 Women’s VNL, currently taking place in the Rimini bubble, Japan (Sarina Koga 23 points) overtook the hosts after five sets and justified the role of the favorite against the rejuvenated squad of the rivals. Italy (Anastasia Guerra 26 points, including 5 blocks) managed to tie the match at 2-2 after trailing 0-2 but didn’t have enough strength to go all the way and thus remained winless (0-5). As for Japan, which has a surprisingly great VNL campaign, it noted down the fourth win (one defeat).
Day 5 brought a true classic of the women’s world volleyball. However, it was far from a nail-biting encounter that many expected. Brazil wrecked Russia (who lacks a few important players), showing the biggest domination in the second of the three sets. That’s exactly how many sets ‘Seleção’ needed to outplay big rivals. Ana Carolina da Silva ‘Carol’ top-scored Brazil (who improved to 4-1) with 15 points of which she put down 6 from the service line. Gabriela Braga Guimarães ‘Gabi’ made 73.7 % digs (16/19).
2021 FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League – Day 5 (Week 2):
Turkey – Germany 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-22)
Dominican Republic – South Korea 3-0 (25-23, 28-26, 25-18)
Belgium – Poland 3-2 (25-15, 17-25, 25-19, 22-25, 15-12)
Serbia – Thailand 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-23)
China – Canada 2-3 (22-25, 25-21, 17-25, 25-15, 12-15)
USA – Netherlands 3-0 (25-22, 25-15, 25-18)
Italy – Japan 2-3 (25-27, 19-25, 25-16, 25-21, 13-15)
Brazil – Russia 3-0 (25-20, 25-11, 25-18)
