Fan favorite Japan saved the best for last as it formally wrapped up its three-year visit in the Philippines for the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) men’s tournament against now crowd darling Team USA on Sunday night, June 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

The visiting Ryujin Nippon picked up its first win over the Americans in 18 head-to-head matches under any FIVB competition before a Filipino full house, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19. 

With the win, Japan officially eliminated Team USA as it heads to the finals phase in Poland to hopefully eclipse its historic bronze-medal feat last year. 

Both coaches Philippe Blain and John Speraw actually sat out their respective star players and fielded their second stringers in the quick affair, made intense by the Filipinos taking turns to cheer on both sides.

Opposite spiker Kento Miyaura posted a game-high 18 points built on 12 attacks, one block and five service aces, including three consecutive aces to bring Japan to the match point. 

Young outside hitter Masato Kai made the most of his opportunity to shine and registered 16 markers off 12 attacks that went with an equally impressive four service aces as USA’s floor defense scramble to get its first touch and set up a play. 

American Kyle Ensing paced his side with 14 points as last year’s top seed USA missed the quarterfinal for the first time in six seasons. 

After suffering a five-set loss to Canada in the opening day last Tuesday, Japan swept its three assignments that followed and improved to a 9-3 record for the third spot in the standings in a fitting conclusion to its eventful visit on local shores.

Meanwhile, 2024 Olympic host nation France survived Brazil in a five-set thriller, 25-23, 27-29, 13-25, 25-19, 18-16, in the earlier play. 

Théo Faure turned in a game-high 29-point performance highlighted by 25 attacks to lead all scorers in the offensive end, with his teammate Kevin Tillie adding 14 markers in the important victory that solidified the French side’s place in the standings in sixth behind Canada as they share similar 8-4 records. 

The Brazilians delivered a balanced effort with four players finishing in double figures led by Ricardo Lucarelli’s 18-point finish. 

Brazil trailed France in the standings at the No. 7 spot, still good enough to make it to the quarterfinal action. 

All four teams are merely getting some rest as they gear up against each other in the Summer Olympics shortly after the finals phase. 

The Philippines ended a successful three-year hosting contract with the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) that paved the way for another hosting gig for the upcoming 2025 Volleyball Men’s World Championship.