The Asian side will meet Tokyo 2020 silver medalists Brazil on September 24
Published 07:00, 10 Sept 2023
With Japan playing the Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament on their home turf, the Hinotori Nippon are hoping for a chance to settle past history with Brazil and eventually secure a spot to Olympic Games next year.
The hosts and 2019 Asian champions will take on the Tokyo 2020 silver medalists Brazil in Pool B’s final match on September 24 at 19:30 local time (10:30 UTC).
Japan had the most number of appearances at the quadrennial, playing in 13 editions and winning six medals, including the inaugural gold medal and the Montreal 1976 gold. They won their last medal at London 2012, where coach Masayoshi Manabe steered the team to bag bronze.
Manabe is back at the helm of the Japanese squad with many fresh faces and some of their reliable veterans Sarina Nishida, Miyu Nagaoka and Arisa Inoue.
The team did not face Brazil at the 2023 VNL but had three encounters in 2022. They first met at the final round of the 2022 VNL, where Brazil eliminated Japan at the quarterfinals with a 3-1 win, then met twice at the 2022 World Championship, where Japan triumphed in four sets in the preliminary round before their five-set quarterfinal thriller that favored the South American team.
Brazil are seeking to qualify for the Paris Games to have a chance to win their third Olympic gold, which would improve their Tokyo 2020 runners-up finish.
Depth and experience will play a vital role in Brazil’s Olympic qualification campaign, led by Olympic medalists Thaisa Menezes, Gabi Guimaraes, Carol Da Silva, Macris Carneiro and Rosamaria Montibeller.
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