Sasak topped the match chart with a total of 20 points, including two kill blocks. He registered a 55% success rate in attack. Outside hitters Artur Szalpuk and Rafal Szymura, and middle blockers Jakub Nowak and Szymon Jakubiszak all dipped into the double digits with 16, 14, 13 and 12 points, respectively. They all made solid contributions to Poland’s blocking effort, which resulted in 14 stuffs combined against only three for Japan.
“For us, it was a tough game. And the last set was amazing! The two teams showed their best volleyball. Maybe there were too many mistakes on our side, but it’s a game. We won, so we are happy,” Sasak told VBTV after the match. “We tried to keep our concentration, to help each other, to focus on the next action and that’s all. We want to win every game. That’s our plan. Nothing changed…”
Japan managed to outscore Poland from the serving line, with six aces against none. Three of those were authored by 21-year-old outside Masato Kai, who finished with a team-high 18 points. Opposite Keihan Takahashi, also 21 years old, who subbed in for Kento Miyaura, added another 13 points for last year’s bronze medalists.
“I saw the fighting spirit of my team. Although we were losing by 2-0, we fought back. We missed some opportunities to win the first set and the fourth set, but what a nice game! It was really fantastic!” commented Japan’s French head coach Laurent Tillie. “I am always feeling optimistic. I know it is difficult, but I like the way the players listen and they try... The players from the bench bring a lot of energy and quality, so it’s very interesting for the future.”
