Japan have taken the 2021 FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League by storm, closing the opening weekend with a dazzling performance on Sunday to take down defending champions Russia after an intense and long battle that showcased their incredible defensive skills.
VNL 2021
Sensational Japan into VNL Week 2 unbeaten
Brazil only team on full points after opening week
Published 11:17, 30 May 2021
Japan libero Tomohiro Ogawa dives in for the dig as Japan stun defending champions Russia at the 2021 VNL.
It was Japan's second tie-break win in three matches, following that over the Netherlands the previous day.
The world will be watching carefully now, as they prepare to take on Serbia, Brazil and France next week, when the men's competition resumes following a three-day rest.
Also going undefeated into Week 2 are Brazil, who struggled against Canada in their closing game of the first week, narrowly avoiding a tie-break and any unnecessary complications, to remain the only team amongst the 16 participating on full points.
There's only one other team that will start Week 2 on three wins: France, who pulled together on Sunday after dropping the first set to Australia, going on for a full-points victory.
Something, however, has to give as all three of the table leaders clash on Week 2.
There was yet more drama on Sunday, as rookies Slovenia stood up to reigning world champions Poland and brought them crashing down in four sets, for their second win of the tournament.
Will they deliver any more of the brilliant stuff they've been providing so far, when they take on the the Netherlands, Argentina and Germany in Week 2.
Nimir Abdel-Aziz bagged only 11 points as the Dutch fell to Iran and the 29-year-old opposite fell from top position in the best scorers list, now trailing Russia's Maxim Mikhaylov who had scored 23 in the thriller against Japan.
But the question remains whether the Netherlands can claim their first win of the tournament in Week 2.
Iran, meanwhile, will be taking on Canada, Italy and Bulgaria in Week 2 as they try find pace and get more wins in after finishing Week 1 on a 1-2 record following their win over the Netherlands.
All eyes next week will also be on Poland's Wilfredo Leon after he shattered the VNL serving records on Week 1 with his 13 aces against Serbia.
Poland are up against Australia, USA and Russia next week.
USA bounced back on Sunday after their defeat the previous night to Brazil, but still had to fight back from a set down to beat Argentina in four.
Alongside the Dutch, looking for their first wins when the men's tournament resumes, will be Australia, Argentina and hosts Italy.
