Ran Takahashi and Co. put on a show as Japan trounced Libya to end their FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship bid with a victory Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Japan recovered its winning ways as it walloped Libya, 25-20, 25-17, 25-12, to end its campaign with its first win in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Wednesday night, Sept. 18.
The Japanese were already out of contention due to two previous losses and were thus fighting for pride against a fellow also-ran team.
A clear fan favorite among the foreign teams, Japan gave Filipino fans, who flocked to the stands, more reason to cheer, as it finally broke through to finish with a 1-2 record in Pool G.
[RELATED STORY: Japan vents ire on Libya to exit FIVB Men's World Championship with a bang]
Star hitter Ran Takahashi emphasized the impact of the comprehensive victory on the team, which lost confidence due to its two-game slump.
“The last two games, we lost, and we lost [our] confidence. But we have to, you know, change our mind and come back in this game," Takahasi said after the 65-minute match.
“I'm very happy because, finally, we won in front of them (Filipino fans),” he also said.
Japan on point
Japan leaned heavily on its strong service game against Libya, firing eight aces in the match to its foe's mere one.
During Set 1, where Libya was able to play toe-to-toe with them, the Japanese turned to their attacking led by veterans Takahashi and Yuki Ishikawa.
A 6-2 run capped by Ishikawa's attack turned a slim 16-15 lead into a five-point cushion, 22-17.
Riding the high of getting its first set win in the tourney, Japan never looked back from there to claim victory.
Libya's Foad Elmaarug retires
Foad Elmaarug of Libya waves to the crowd after his match against Japan in the FIVB Men's World Championship Wednesday, Sept. 17. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Japan is headed out of the World Championship in the first round for only the third time in its program’s history.
Meanwhile, Libya, which leaned on Ahmed Ikhbayri (11 points), finished winless at 0-3.
Despite the loss, the Libyans' run was made special with 42-year-old libero skipper Foad Elmaarug hanging up his sneakers in an emotional ending to the match.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team and mixed martial arts.