Serbia and France kept their Volleyball Nations League campaigns on track with valuable victories on Thursday, while Japan and the United States already qualified for the Finals.
Serbia responded to Wednesday’s defeat by overcoming Ukraine 3-1 in Belgrade. Veljko Masulovic led the hosts with a match-high 26 points as Serbia improved to 5-5, while Ukraine slipped after suffering its fourth defeat of the tournament.
France also collected a much-needed victory, sweeping China in Chicago. Stephen Boyer finished with 16 points and Mathis Henno added 15 as the reigning Olympic champions improved to 5-5.
Iran claimed a hard-fought five-set win over Germany in Belgrade, with Ali Hajipour producing 23 points to lead all scorers.
Earlier, Japan maintained unbeaten record by rallying from two sets down to defeat Canada in Osaka. Italy eased past Belgium in straight sets before the United States wrapped up the day’s action with a 3-0 victory over Brazil.
Thursday’s results
- Japan def. Canada 3-2
- Italy def. Belgium 3-0
- Serbia def. Ukraine 3-1
- France def. China 3-0
- Iran def. Germany 3-2
- United States def. Brazil 3-0