Canada defeats crowd favorite Japan, claims Round of 16 berth

Canada wasted no time securing their place in the Round of 16 of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship after dominating Japan in straight-sets, 25-20, 25-23, 25-22, on Monday, September 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After defeating Libya in their game opener, the Canadians now joined Turkiye at the top of their pool bolstered by the efforts of Sharone Vernon-Evans and Nicholas Hoag with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Japan’s Ran Takahashi, meanwhile, led his team after registering 11 markers along with four excellent digs but it was not enough to overcome their North American opponents.

"We still played so aggressively today, but we lost important points. We couldn't find our rhythm. We have to ask for a near-perfect game in volleyball. We still have many issues," Takahashi said.

With this defeat, Japan will look to bow out of the competition on a high note when they face world No. 75 Libya on Wednesday, September 17, at the same venue.