Japan – team
The Asian team, with their quick offensive pace and superb field defense, are expected to be an insurmountable hurdle for an Algerian side that is going through a rebuilding process following the retirement of some key players.
Saori Kimura and Erika Araki combine to form a lethal tandem for Japan while the consistent setter Yoshie Takeshita continues to provide her leadership qualities and the virtuosity to distribute the game with top efficiency.
The two teams have met only twice with Japan dominating in both contests by 3-0 – last time at the FIVB 2011 World Cup when Saori Sakoda scored 21 points in a match that lasted just 64 minutes.
