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 supplied the set off the bench to e book a ticket to the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Last Eight.
After lacking Ran Takahashi because of a nagging harm, Japan suffered one other blow as Yuji Nishida wanted to be subbed out early within the second set because of belly 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 Area.
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.
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“Generally this sort of state of affairs [happens] however we had been in a position to hold our focus and Philippine followers pushing lots for us. It’s a pleasant ambiance,” Miyaura stated.
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 file to safe their entry to the ultimate spherical in Poland.
He believes that powerful video games like this may assist them put together for the Last 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 pleased to win and likewise it will likely be serving to us for the Olympics,” stated 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 exhibiting 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 happily from the third set, [our] substitution [worked] and managed a bit extra of the sport,” Blain stated. “It was a really powerful match and I’m very happy with how my workforce stayed calm with their minds. It was an important expertise tonight and I hope it will likely 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 subsequent match. And it will likely be harder,” he stated.
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