There was no shortage of excitement in the secure ‘bubble’ of Rimini, Italy, for the start of the men’s 2021 FIVB Volleyball Nations League and the 16 teams competing in the tournament didn’t disappoint, delivering excellent performances and quite a few upsets among the first 24 matches of the event.
VNL 2021
VNL Week 2: Most intriguing men’s matches
These are the games to keep an eye on as the men return to the court
Published 10:30, 03 Jun 2021
Only three teams remain undefeated after the first week including Brazil, France and Japan, with the South Americans the only team to collect all nine points. The Europeans are on eight and the Asians on seven.
After three days of rest and preparation, the 16 men's teams participating in the 2021 VNL are set to return to action on Thursday and here are the three of the matches you won’t want to miss.
And remember, the best way to follow the action in Rimini is on Volleyball TV, where all matches are streamed live. Sign up now and don’t miss a thing!
Who? Brazil vs. France
When? Thursday, June 3, 13:00 GMT
Why? One of the three undefeated teams will lose that label on the first day of the second week as Brazil and France are set to play each other. The teams have met in important moments over the last five years, including a crucial pool play match at the Rio 2016 Olympics and the gold medal match at the 2017 FIVB World League. They play a similar style of volleyball, predicated on great technique and a fast-paced offence. Brazil’s big three of Wallace de Souza, Ricardo Lucarelli and Yoandy Leal is gradually returning to their best form but France are expected to raise their level even more following the debut of star outside hitter Earvin Ngapeth in their final match of week 1 against Australia.
Ngapeth scored six points in his first 2021 VNL match
Who? Brazil vs. Japan
When? Friday, June 4, 11:00 GMT
Why? Brazil won’t have an easy time in week 2. Right after clashing with the French, they will play against another team which won all its matches in the first week, Japan. The Asians have already shown they’re ready to take down the best in the world in week 1, when they upset back-to-back defending VNL champions Russia. Historically known for their outstanding defensive skills, Japan have significantly improved their offence and are one of only two countries to have a pair of players among the VNL’s top 10 scorers in outside hitters Ran Takahashi (sixth, with 43) and Yuki Ishikawa (tenth, with 35). Brazil have long benefited from having a deep roster and that might prove even more important in a heavy week 2. Continuing to get strong performances from reserve players such as opposite Alan de Souza, who came off the bench to add 12 points against the USA, and outside hitter Douglas Souza, who led the team with 22 against Canada, will be important for the world ranking leaders.
Who? Russia vs Poland
When? Saturday, June 5, 14:00 GMT
Why? Two of the most titled national teams on the men’s side, Russia and Poland rank fourth and fifth respectively after the first week of the VNL. These are two of the most powerful teams in the tournament as the Russians are back-to-back VNL champions and the Polish have won the last two editions of the FIVB Volleyball World Championships. The duel goes well beyond tradition, though, as both sides are getting stellar production from their star players. Russian Olympic champion opposite Maxim Mikaylov was the VNL’s top scorer in week 1 with an impressive 69 points. Explosive Polish outside hitter Wilfredo Leon made the headlines for his unbelievable performance against Serbia, in which he crushed the VNL’s serving record with 13 aces.
