Japan sweep Libya in Men's Volleyball World Championship farewell in Quezon City

Asian giants Japan found reason to celebrate on the last day of what has been a frustrating campaign for them at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, defeating Libya on Wednesday in their final match in the Philippines.

Knocked out of the race for spots in the elimination rounds after the second round of pool play, the Japanese got on the court at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday determined to depart with a victory, and they did so by taking the Libyans down 3-0 (25-20, 25-17, 25-12) in the final match of Pool G.

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After upsets to Türkiye and Canada, the Asians collected their first three points in he tournament and ended pool play in third place, behind undefeated Turkish, who got to nine, and Canadians, who had six - both advanced to the Round of 16. Libya were fourth, with no points and two sets won.

Opposite Kento Miyaura was the most productive player on the Japanese side, tallying 15 points (11 kills, three aces, one block), while outside hitters Yuki Ishikawa and Ran Takahashi contributed 12 and 11, respectively.

"I was really happy and proud to have been able to represent Japan in this tournament," middle blocker Larry Ik Evbade-Dan remarked. "It was very important for us to end the season with a victory. We'll come back stronger next year."

Back on the World Championship for the first time since 1982, Libya got 11 points (ten kills, one ace) from opposite Ahmed Ikhbayri and another eight (all in kills) from his brother and outside hitter Mohamed. Their final match in the Philippines also marked the end of the international career of team captain and libero Foad Elmaarug, who retired from the national team at the age of 42 and exchanged jerseys with Miyaura after the final point.

"This was the first time for players of our generation at the World Championship," Elmaarug said. "We waited for this chance for a very long time. I hope Libyan people can be proud of us and that the national team continues to make it to tournaments of this level in the future."

Japan's victory was built on their offensive and serving power, as the Asians significantly outscored the Libyans in kills (45 to 27) and aces (eight to one). They had a single-point lead in opponent errors (18 to 17) and tied in blocks (four).

2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship: Match Schedule & Results

The two qualified teams out of Pool G, Türkiye and Canada will face the Netherlands and Poland, respectively, in the Round of 16 - the matches will be held on Saturday, in Pasay City.

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