Japan’s Kento Miyaura celebrates throughout a recreation in opposition to France within the VNL.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
MANILA, Philippines — Kento Miyaura stepped up when it mattered most for depleted Japan as he offered the activate the bench to guide a ticket to the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Ultimate Eight.
After lacking Ran Takahashi as a consequence of a nagging harm, Japan suffered one other blow as Yuji Nishida wanted to be subbed out early within the second set as a consequence of stomach ache however Miyaura confirmed his next-man-up mentality to rise from two units down and stun Olympic champion France, 17-25, 19-25, 25-16, 25-23, 15-10, on Saturday night earlier than an ecstatic 11,879 followers at Mall of Asia Enviornment.
The 25-year-old spiker dropped 19 factors off 16 assaults, two aces, and a block, expressing his gratitude to the Filipino followers, who impressed him to unleash his breakout recreation in Manila.
READ: VNL 2024: Yuki Ishikawa, Japan rally previous Olympic champion France
“Generally this sort of scenario [happens] however we have been capable of hold our focus and Philippine followers pushing quite a bit for us. It’s a pleasant ambiance,” Miyaura mentioned.
Miyaura conspired with captain Yuki Ishikawa, who erupted for 33 factors, as they delivered the ending blows within the fifth set for an improved 8-3 report to safe their entry to the ultimate spherical in Poland.
He believes that robust video games like it will assist them put together for the Ultimate Eight and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I can’t imagine [we won] this match as a result of it was so troublesome match however I’m so glad to win and likewise it is going to be serving to us for the Olympics,” mentioned Miyaura, who performs within the French professional league.
READ: VNL 2024: Japan bounces again with sweep of Netherlands
Japan coach Philippe Blain lauded Miyaura and his wards for displaying a never-give-up angle in opposition to the 2022 VNL champions amid the absence of their stars.
“Within the first two units, France performed so good, making no errors, [and had a] nice protection. We simply saved on preventing. In these sorts of moments, we’ve got to remain affected person and attempt to keep contained in the match. And fortuitously from the third set, [our] substitution [worked] and managed a bit extra of the sport,” Blain mentioned. “It was a really robust match and I’m very happy with how my crew stayed calm with their minds. It was a terrific expertise tonight and I hope it is going to be very helpful for [future] tournaments.”
Miyaura vows to remain prepared for Japan because it wraps up its VNL Manila marketing campaign in opposition to fellow fan-favorite USA on Sunday at 7 p.m.
“We’re ready for the following match. And it is going to be more durable,” he mentioned.
Your subscription couldn’t be saved. Please attempt once more.
Your subscription has been profitable.