Crowd favorite Japan crushes Libya, exits FIVB Worlds on high note
At A Glance
- Crowd favorite Japan thumped Libya, 25-20, 25-17, 25-12, to close out its campaign on a high note in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum late Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Ran Takahashi scores for Japan during their match against Libya. (Volleyball World)
Crowd favorite Japan thumped Libya, 25-20, 25-17, 25-12, to close out its campaign on a high note in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum late Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Already out of their contention after absorbing a stinging straight-set loss to Canada last Monday, Sept. 15, the Japanese still went full force before an energetic local crowd.
With the win, Japan finished third in Pool G with a 1-2 win-loss record.
Turkey and Canada advanced to the Round of 16 from their pool with 3-0 and 2-1 marks, respectively.
“This year, we’re not going well, but next year, we will come back stronger,” said Japan skipper Yuki Ishikawa, who fired 11 attacks to finish with 12 points.
Kento Miyaura anchored the Japanese with 15 points built on 11 kills, three aces and one block, while Ran Takahashi and Larry Ik Evbade-Danalso contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Japan was dominant throughout particularly in the offensive department, posting 45 kills compared to Libya’s 27. The Japanese also managed eight aces.
Ahmed Ilkbayri scored 11 points in a losing effort for Libya, which finished winless in three games.