2024 VNL May 15: France Debut Lost, Japan Upsets Türkiye

On the second day of the 2024 VNL, the action kicked off with debutant France facing off against Germany. After winning the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Challenger Cup, the Paris 2024 host nation team played their first-ever match in the VNL. However, the match ended with Germany overpowering France in straight sets, 3-0 (25-22, 25-14, 25-22). Germany opposite Kindermann scored a match-high 17 points to help the team secure the win in their tournament opener.

The second match in Antalya saw Japan pull off an upset against World No. 1 Türkiye in a five-set thriller (25-23, 25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 15-11). Japanese captain Koga scored an impressive 32 points for the Asian side, leading them to victory against the European powerhouse. With this crucial win, Japan earned 9.9 World Ranking points, which will significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics through the world ranking pathway.

In Pool 2 in Brasilia, the USA defeated Thailand in four sets (25-22, 19-25, 25-12, 25-18). USA’s outside hitter Skinner scored a match-high 19 points, helping the North American side secure a victory in their tournament opener.

In the final match of the day, two teams that have already qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics through the FIVB Olympic Qualification Tournament in Ningbo faced off. The match ended with Dominican Republic defeating Serbia 3-1 (25-18, 25-17, 21-25, 25-20), continuing their strong form since the FIVB OQT in Ningbo, where they are ranked #1 in the group.

(Featured image source: Volleyball World)

(Written by Boris CHUNG Bok Man)