JAPAN versus GERMANY, MVM 2013

After winning in a 5-setter match against the Italians, the Japanese squad outsmarted the Germans in 4 sets, (3-1) 25-21,23-25, 25-22, 25-14.
 
During their early matches, the Germans suffered their defeat against the Dominican Republic (3-1) 25-15, 21-25, 25-20, 25-16 and Italy (3-0), 25-11, 27-25, 25-20.

While the Japanese bowed down to the Dominicans in 3 sets, (3-0) 25-19, 25-16, 25-22.  It was an important game for Japan to stay in the semifinals and knowing for a fact that - 2011 Champion of Montreux Volley Masters.

Good receptions and powerful attacks from the Japanese side really helped the team to win over the German squad.

It was Miyu Nagaoka who stepped up from last night's match. She delivered  22 solid points, 18 kills and 4 blocks.
German's top scorer was Saskia Hippe with 16 points, 13 kills, 1 block and 2 serves.

KOREA versus JAPAN, WORLD LEAGUE 2013

In terms of rivalry, these two Asian squads are always there, and will always be.

Japan is Korea's biggest rival in volleyball. But the Koreans upset the Japanese in 4 sets, (3-1), 25-22, 25-20, 21-25, 25-19 in Hwasung South Korea.

During the first two sets, the Koreans didn't allow the Japanese to make their run and they dominated all throughout the game.  But the Japanese adjusted in the third set especially in their attacks and gave Tatsuya Fukuzawa. Moon got a knee injury and was replaced by Jeon Kwang-in. Japan capitalized the absence of Moon  Despite the effort of Park Chul-Woo and Moon Sung-min, Japan went ahead, 25-21.

Jeon stepped up in the fourth set and showcased his unstoppable spikes above the net. Great quick plays from the setter, Han Sun Woo and sealed the match, 25-19.

USA , STILL NUMBER 1

As per 23 January 2013, the FIVB (Federation Internationale De Volleyball), the USA Women's National Volleyball team remains on top with 330 points. This is tailed by the 2012 London Olympic Champ, Brazil, with 315 points. The Asian squad with "speedy volleyball", Japan is in the third place with 266 points. The Philippines is ranked 112th.

To see the complete ranking list, please click here.

MONTREUX VOLLEY MASTERS 2013

After it has been canceled last year (2012) due to the Summer Olympics in London, Montreux Volley Masters is back this year.

 The 2013 Montreux Volley Masters will be held in Montreux, Switzerland between May 28 – June 12 2013. Eight teams participated in this tournament.

Brazil, the 2012 Olympic Champ, as well as Russia, China and the host, Switzerland belongs to Pool A. Japan, (2011 MVM Champ, defending champ, Italy, Dominican Republic and Germany are in Pool B.