Momii's game will be challenged by one of the best blockers in the world against Turkey

Women’s teams will enter Week 4 of the 2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League looking to guarantee their spots in the semifinals as the Preliminary Round nears its end in the Italian Adriatic Resort of Rimini.

With six matches remaining for each of the 16 teams competing in the tournament, the United States, with nine wins, Turkey, with eight, Brazil, the Netherlands and Japan, with seven each, are well-positioned to make it to the Final Four.

While they will be looking to keep or improve their places in the standings, others like the Dominican Republic, Russia and Belgium, who have five victories each, will also try to find their way into the tournament’s top four.

Here are three of the most pivotal matches of the week and you can watch them all on Volleyball TV.

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Who? Japan vs. Turkey

When? Saturday, June 12, 11:00 GMT

Why? Both teams ended Week 3 on a high as Japan came from behind to defeat Poland while Turkey did the same against Russia. The Asians have a chance to pass the Europeans in their first match in Week 4 and doing that would be a huge step forward for them. This match will also feature a very interesting duel between Japan’s cerebral setter Aki Momii, who is running one of the most creative and efficient offences of the tournament with 213 successful actions in the skill, and Turkish middle blocker Eda Erdem, who is the third best blocker of the VNL with 30 stuffs. If Momii can continue doing her thing against an experienced and solid blocker like Erdem, the Asians will be fine. If the Turkish captain manages to read her game well and anticipate her moves, the Europeans should have the upper hand here.

Who? USA vs. Japan

When? Sunday, June 13, 10:00 GMT

Why? Japan will face the teams ranked first and second in the VNL on consecutive days and the outcomes of these matches will have a huge impact, positive or negative, on their aspirations of reaching the semifinals. Against the United States, they will need everything they can get from outside hitters Sarika Koga and Mayu Ishikawa, who combined for 47 points against Poland. The Americans have shown great chemistry and teamwork in the VNL so far, and there’s no reason to believe they won’t continue doing the same. Libero Justine Wong-Orantes, the sixth best defender of the VNL with 109 digs, will need to keep up her great level of play so the Americans can match the Japanese in defence.

Wong-Orantes has been doing a great job in the USA's backourt

Wong-Orantes has been doing a great job in the USA's backourt

Who? USA vs. Turkey

When? Monday, June 14, 19:00 GMT

Why? Any match reuniting teams ranked first and second is special, but this one could have huge implications for both sides. The Americans have been rock solid in the tournament, winning 27 and losing just two sets in the VNL so far. If they can keep that rhythm for another week, they can end it with a place in the semifinals, but also with the top spot secured. Head coach Karch Kiraly has already announced his Olympic roster and it’s reasonable to think he’ll use the team’s main stars, like outside hitter Jordan Larson, middle blocker Foluke Akinradewo and opposite Annie Drews even more. If Turkey have any aspirations of catching the Americans, this is the match they need to show it. Star opposite Ebrar Karakurt has been on fire with 152 points scored so far, including the tournament’s second-mark of 12 aces, and she will need to come up big against the world ranking leaders.

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You can watch highlights on our YouTube channel & full matches on VBTV.