A few American flags around, there are some American fans in the building. Tatsunori Otsuka, 22-year-old from the Panasonic Panthers, will be getting the first serve away any second now. Last game of the week in Tokyo, Japan take you on the USA.
Christensen, Averill blocked out of it and Japan score behind serve to start their game. That's a great way to start. The new man Larry is delighted. Larry Ikibare Dan. Replacing Kentaro Takahashi who's injured after yesterday.
Second serve for Japan in play. Christensen, Anderson can't kill it. Japan might go two in front and they do.
What a start for the host nation. Their fans are in raptures. Great start for Tatsunori Otsuka, first time he's been in the starting six. Two points behind his serve, the number five.
Control here for the Americans. And that's out of play, despite the big chase from Shoma Tomita. USA off the mark. Taylor Averell plays his pro ball in Poland. We've got the first American serve away here from right to left in red.
The Americans, Japan in their first choice of all black. Down onto the floor. Able of coming forward. Unable to get underneath it. The Japanese players run in circles to celebrate.
Kentomo Yaura with the touch here. High above the net. Larry's first serve, first serve of the week for him, the new man, called up following the injury suffered by the number 10 Kentaro Takahashi.
Yeshki, high above the net and thumping that one home for a winner. He plays for the Panasonic Panthers as well these days, Thomas Yeshki. 3-2. In favour of Japan, Anderson's serve. The side, it's got a cross here.
Fired away, great defence at the back. Oh what a pick up from Shoji, unbelievable diving dig from Eric Shoji, but it's Japan who have the point. What a dig that was, diving away to his right.
But I think the ball from Anderson struck the antenna. Japan 4-2 in front. Over the top.
And that's out of play. No start for Masahiro Sakita who's been the first choice setter for Japan. Ryo Yamamoto, the number 29, who has had some game time this week, takes up the playmaking duties for the home side.
And Garrett Mwagatutia is on the starting six tonight for the USA, has had some good time when he's been brought on as a specialist serving substitution at times, but his first effort tonight goes long. There's the 51-year-old US coach John Sparrow. Shoma Tomita. Limited game time for him this week.
He'll be keen to show what he's got. Score. Fired away with real energy there by Taylor Averill.
Christensen set in fact it was David Smith I beg his pardon not Averill who got on the end of this one. David Smith oldest man on the US roster at 38 US serve, Yamamoto teed up Yamauchi alongside him but he missed the target and the USA draw level. Tricky start for Akihiro Yamauchi the number six for Japan. Yuki Ishikawa, Ran Takahashi, Masahiro Sekita all watching from the sidelines at the start of this game. Smith gifts one back to Japan.
Yamauchi's serve. Christensen having to play the set off his wrist. Yeshiki is blocked out. First block of the game goes to Otsuka.
Otsuka's left wrist doing the damage. Three-man block. Quite a wall to fire through. 7-5. That's come straight back to Japan side of the court.
Oh, but they were watching and not acting. Shoma Tomita had a chance, probably the best chance from the back of the court to get under that one, but it was beyond their reach. And Micah Christensen rotates round to serve for the USA now.
Lively looking point and it's Japan's point. Tomohiro Ogawa is the libero for Japan to start this game. Throughout the week it's ordinarily been Tomohiro Yamamoto but he's a spectator tonight. Ogawa is the man in the white shirt.
Side out, Yeshki will serve. Thomas Yeshki, part of the group that won bronze for USA in Rio 2016. He's got a chance to go for gold in Paris now. The Americans with a good Olympic record.
Champions in 84. 88, 2008. Bronze medalist twice, 92 Barcelona, Rio 2016. That's a good-looking serve. Shoji did well to pick it up. Great work from the libero over the top.
Yeah, that was watched and read and dealt with by Matt Anderson. He's too wise to let those go past him. Anderson has been one of the standout players of the week here in Tokyo.
And as usual, not a hair out of place. Taylor Averill with the next serve for the United States. Just misses the target. Nervous moments there for the Japanese players as they let that one sail past, but it was wide. Yeah, good shot, big hit from Matt Anderson.
Back set from Christensen, Anderson knew it was coming and was on his way. Big take-off. Have to take off behind the line because he's a front-line player, but he's rotated round to serve now.
Matt Anderson, 36-year-old, sends the serve. in, picked up, here's the set, left-handed, unable to find a way through, far side, blocked, it's pinging around, it'll be crossed here, and went into space and away, and the USA are level. So the early lead that Japan opened up has been dealt with 10-10 in the opening set here.
Anderson for the second time. That's going to come back to the Reds and they finish it with real energy from David Smith. The fans don't like this, they've called a timeout. Smith, all he had to do was climb and spike. Guys, two outside deterrents, two outside deterrents.
When he's close, they make rounds, they make teams, they both. So we have to control this one. We still need to transition. We need to step long.
Because his best fight is right, so give him the possibility to take that. He's broke out. Ah, okay. All right. Back they come.
Early lead dealt with by the United States of America. Unfamiliar looking Japanese starting six in the final game of the week. The main job has been done, qualification for the Olympics guaranteed.
And there's Eugene Ishida keeping himself warm. The crowd will hope to see him and Ran Takahashi and Yuki Ishikawa on the court at some stage. Anderson misses his third serve.
Goes long and it's 11-1 in the first. Well left, Kento Muyaura returns the compliment after Anas'loose serve. He sends one long. He plays his pro volleyball in Paris, so he'll be happy to be spending the summer in familiar surroundings next year at the Olympics. 12-11.
Ryu with the set, back set, fired away by the big left-handed Miyawara but the reception from the USA goes wide. Shoji's dig just sent out of court. Kento Miyawara providing the left-handed power this evening.
It's usually been Yuji Nishida, the lefty, with the big spike. Smith ready to serve 13-12. Smith off the net, rear with the set.
Regroup Ryu again Wild and loose from Tatsunori Otsuka Number five on the left flank Hit that way too hard never gave it a chance and for the first time in the game The Americans unbeaten this week have a two-point lead over Japan Smith, second time of asking. Good looking serve. Rio having to travel to make contact.
It'll be dealt with. Who's going to take the hit? Averill has it.
It's all USA right now, showing plenty of class. Smith, Christensen, Averill. Another time out for Japan. They're in trouble here. Chef, you should normally receive a lot.
Ah, ok. And you can rig this one. Ok? Allez, go.
You need to serve, you have to go. Powerful, also diagonal, yeah. But, ah, manage it.
A fast transition, guys. Quick fight, maybe. Ah, you remember. Allez.
Philippe Blanc is French. He does his team talks in English. And then those who don't understand get a translation. 15-12 the USA lead. Smith will serve again.
Two points behind the Smith serve. Lining up for a third now. All the time out they've just taken helped Japan. Ryu with the signal to his back line here. Smith serve after the timeout, puts it into play.
Ryu, that's nicely done but another good block. It's all a bit too straightforward at the moment for the Americans after a lively start from Japan. The Americans are now four clear.
And it's all gone a little quiet around the arena because it's been a while since Japan scored a point. Smith serve. Ria, they have to side out here and that's good enough.
Katsunori at Suka on the end of it. 22-year-old at Suka. 16-13.
That's the set from Christensen. Oh yeah, wide open spaces there. Great reactions from Tom Jeschke. He spotted the gap.
Jeschke's fingertip finish frustrates Otsuka. 17-13. We're saying full control of this open space.
Opening set, another good block. Japan regroup, recycle the ball on the far side and score. Big hit from Otsuka that time. On we go. Good dig from Shoji.
USA couldn't kill the point, back-court attack for Japan and they get the point closing the gap to two now 104 km per hour, right onto the line struck well by Shoma Tomita Averill sends it forward a bit too much on that from Taylor Averill. Japan with a chance to attack. Shoji, Averill, it'll have to cross here.
Comes in from Christensen. Advantage Japan and they score again. Just one behind now.
It will be a timeout for the Americans after their four point lead has been reduced to a single point. Yeah, they've taken the time out. John Sparrow needs a word with his men. Christensen, top setter in the Olympic qualifying tournament.
No sign of Maxwell Holt. Or TJ DeFalco, or Jeff Gendrick, they've all been arrested. Aaron Russell as well, watching from the sidelines. USA ahead by one, to serve from Japan. 16-17.
Christensen. Oh, what a finish that was from Anderson. Group force to kill this spike from Matt Anderson.
104 kilometres per hour. right between Tomita and Ogawa. Ogawa underneath that one. That's well played by Shoji in the right place. Oh, and they've let that go.
It sort of ricocheted around, making life difficult for the Japan back line. The Americans have done well after their timeout. They've won two points since they came back onto court to restore a three-point cushion. Next serve in from Jeschke. Yeah well played, squeezed it past the blocker and away for a winner.
Two points behind now and it was the dummy spike from Larry Otsuka with the real thing. Larry Ikebale, Dan, the new man in the Japanese line-up following the injury suffered by Kentaro Takahashi. Out. Garrett Mwaga Tutia claiming that point.
USA edging closer to securing this first set. Mwaga Tutia up the line for a winner. Christensen directing operations for the Americans. Averill serve.
He's got himself an ace. Taylor Averill. That is first ace of the game.
Taylor Averill takes the USA to 21, 25 required. Not a decent looking serve in. Kind of set across the entire width of the net Christensen.
Oh what a move that was from Micah Christensen Spinning and spiraling with the set This was sensational watch Christensen here Absolutely fantastic. How did he do that? That was magic from Micah Christensen and Matt Anderson Unloaded sidewinder spike from Anderson Glorious volleyball from the Americans.
Averill looking for another ace, it'll have to be pushed forward by Ogawa. It's come straight back to the USA side of the court and that was simple. Now into the second set because this first set I think has got away from Japan. Will Japan reinforce? Will we see Nishida?
Will we see Sekita? Takahashi, Ran Takahashi and possibly Ishikawa coming on. Will they stick with the starting players?
Reduce the deficit, but still behind by five points. The American bench looking pretty content with the way things have unfolded here. Left-handed hit from Kento Miyawara.
Now, there's a buzz around the arena because just as I was suggesting that they might reinforce, they've done it early and brought on Ran Takahashi, the big superstar of Japanese volleyball. Larry's gone off, Ran is on. See what Ryan can do with his first involvement in this game.
Down it goes, David Smith. And it's set point USA. TJ DeFalco high-fiving one of his teammates.
Six-point lead for the USA. And they're about to secure the first set. one way or the other. Can't see that Japan will battle back from here. 18-24.
Rand staying on. Set point USA. Anderson will serve.
Cool as you like, Matt Anderson. Missed with the serve. Set point save.
One of them anyway. Plenty more to come here. 19-24.
And another roar of approval as Yuki Ishikawa makes his debut tonight. The captain plays in Milan. Multiple set points still for the Americans. Can they wrap it up here? That will do.
25 points to 19 in the opening set for the United States of America despite late changes for Japan bringing on two of their superstars. The Americans were just too good in the first set and I wonder if we'll see a different line-up for Japan for the second. Great start for the USA, overpowering the host nation with a dominant display.
And it's all a little quiet around the arena. This has been the hot ticket chance to watch Japan face the USA but so far hasn't got according to plan for the host nation who have been comprehensively outplayed throughout that first set despite making a good start the United States of America take the open by 25 points to Japan's 19. One ace that came from Taylor Averell, the only ace of the game. A couple of blocks for each side.
USA take the opening set in this final Olympic qualifying tournament game at the Yogi National Stadium. Well, we started last Saturday. USA defeated Egypt 3-0. Japan had a match point ultimately taken to five by Finland they won it 3-2 on Sunday Japan suffered that unforgettable defeat at the hands of Egypt again they were 2-0 up and then Egypt Egypt fought back to win it 3-2, one of the biggest wins in Egypt's volleyball history. The USA, meanwhile, cruised past Finland 3-0.
Then there was a break on Monday. Tuesday, USA took care of Turquoise 3-1. Japan overcame Tunisia 3-0.
On Wednesday, USA and Japan both winning 3-0. USA over Tunisia, Japan over Turquoise. And then on Friday...
That was when things really started to happen. Japan overcame Serbia 3-0. The USA dropped to set against Slovenia, winning it 3-1.
Saturday, qualification was confirmed as the United States of America beat Serbia 3-0 and Japan... who had to beat Slovenia by the same scoreline 3-0 did so to guarantee their Olympic qualification and where there were scenes of great celebration. So far today we had Finland beating Egypt 3-2, Turkey over Tunisia 3-0.
Slovenia 3-0 over Serbia and this is the final match of the week. Weekend a bit of action here at the Jogji National Stadium. You're watching it on VBTV with all the Olympic qualifying tournaments available for you.
Plus the Beach Volleyball World Championships underway and the Italian League gets going as well. So much choice across the VBTV platform. Tunisia did win a couple of sets ultimately. They lost 3-2 to Egypt on Friday.
I was just looking at Tunisia's record. Managed to take Egypt to 5. All their other games were 3-0 losses. Here's your bottom of the table. These two teams top. USA top, Japan second, first and second equals Olympic qualification.
Paris 2024. Mike Amar looks like he's getting a chance to show his form at the start of the second set. He will be the replacement setter taking over, at least for now, from Micah Christensen. And Kyle Ensign is getting a run out as well.
The number five for the USA Places Volleyball in Saint-Nazaire in France. Japan, they haven't kept Ran or Yuki Ishikawa on the court. Americans are mixing things up.
They'll be taking the first set 25-19. They will serve first at the start of the second. Yamauchi gives way to Tomohiro Ogawa. Taylor Averill's had a good start. the only ace of that opening set larry has had limited game time but he's starting the second set the new man into the squad after the uh injury replacement and we are ready for action usa hitting from left to right in all red leading by one set to the hill averil with the first serve Ryu over the top underneath it my Kamar first set is successful my Kamar lifts it up and it's put away and the USA score behind serve in the first point of the second set my Kamar teeing up Tom Yeschke Larry got a hand to the ball, but not enough to keep it on the USA side of the court.
Yeshke finds the fence this time. I think I said it was Taylor Averill with the first serve, but of course it wasn't. It was Tom Yeshke, my apologies. Side out Japan, off the mark in the second.
Larry with the serve. Micah Mark. Block goes wide.
Easy finish really for Garrett Mwaga-Tutti. Took a sort of swing at the ball. Hopefully.
And the block pinged it out. USA rotate round. And now it will be Taylor Averill serving for the United States of America.
The set-up took the first 25-90. Averill lining up for his first serve of this second set. Close.
beautiful blocking from Garrett Mwagatutie, love that. CJ De Falco offers his congratulations as well. Mwagatutie with the monster block.
3-1 the USA leader by one set to nil. Averill for the second time Ogawa did well to pick it up it's still alive here Ma's set went across to the Japanese side of the court Japan will recycle and try and rebuild the point into space Averill comes forward Ma far side great pick up again from Ogawa what a point it's Japan's point Final hit from Tatsunori Otsuka. And he gave that everything on Suka.
Side out. 2-3. Well left. They're claiming the ball was touched before it flew long.
No dice though. 4-2. ...Kyle Ensign's serve and he was trying to get behind that one but it was put away easily enough by Kento Miyawara.
Miyawara's left hand on the angle off the elbow of Kyle Ensign. Oh, great combination. Ma and Mwaga Tutia.
Micah Mars had a good start to his spell as setter for the United States of America. Teeing up. Garrett Mwagatutea with precision there and it will be Mwagatutea's turn to serve now.
5-3 the USA lead. Mwagatutea making life tough for Japan here and they found a way through. Good finish.
Kentomi Yara the lefty. Ryu's back set. Yara. Nice finish. Akihiro Yamauchi would like to forget that serve, hit the middle of the net.
Now doing their best to lift the Japan side. Great looking serve that was. Goodness me from David Smith. Comes straight back to Japan's side of the court.
It'll have to cross here. Back court attack. Ensign tried to lift it over the block.
Japan read it. Blocked out. Oh, just wide.
Just wide. Relief for the Japanese fans. Big hit from Kento Miyawara. The ball from the block went the wrong side of the line as far as the Americans were concerned.
Japan within striking distance now, just one behind. New Yamamoto with the foul serve. Mike Amar, his opposite number, setter for the USA in this second set with the serve.
Ryu, back set, over the top, wonderful work from D'Agostino who's on in the libero. role for the USA. Hasn't had much game time. He was called upon for a brave pick up there and he was equal to it. Look at that from D'Agostino.
Carl D'Agostino down and under the ball. 8-5 is the scoreline, that could be changed though, there's a suggestion of a blocked touch and Philippe Blat has gone upstairs to the video analysis. Was there a finger on this? No, there wasn't. It was just a straightforward miss from Kento Miyawara.
The three-point lead remains for the USA. 8-5, leading by one set to nil. Took the first 25-19 lead, 8-5 in the second. And Mike Amar will serve again. Ryu.
Larry makes a big contribution there. Larry Ik-Ebade Dan, 23 year old, 195 centimetres above the court. Big finish from Larry there. 6'8". Yeski having to improvise. Scrabbled over and blocked. Kyle Ensign. Monster block from Ensign. Look how he closed ranks with Averill. Impenetrable. USA 9 Japan 6. Yeshki served. Ryu, they've messed that up. Advantage USA here. Ensin. Second opportunity for Japan. The block is wide of the line. Japan let off rather in that point. Their first possession was messy. They got the ball back and dealt with it. 7-9. Larry Iqibadeh down, ready to serve. Still two points behind. First set to the USA. 25-19. Larry serves. That's going to go right on the net. Mike Amar somehow keeps the point alive and tees up Kyle Ensign. Oh, goodness me, his hands were millimetres from touching the net. Ensign! Big hit from him. USA into double figures. Taylor Averill. Good looking serve, Ryu. Interception from Taylor Averill. Now he's become the setter. Back of court. Japan regroup. Oh, well played. That was tasty. Tatsunori Otsuka had to pick up at the back of court and then headed forward with a flying spike at 108 kilometres per hour. Mark, Haverhill couldn't put that away, Ensign I beg your pardon, Ensign might get another chance, D'Agostino becomes the setter and that's finished off by Garrett Mwagatutia. Well played Kyle D'Agostino. Riveros like a little setting task from time to time. This is opposite number from a hero of gala seven-year-old Hero Yamamoto has been the first choice libero throughout the week, but a gala is in action tonight Ryu teeing up Otsuka I beg your pardon, Yamauchi. Akihiro Yamauchi was on the end of that one. Chance here for Japan to get within one. Ensi, Ma, Ensi again. Here comes Japan. They've missed the target but there was a block touch on it. And it's Japan's point. They are one behind. Kento Miyawara's left hand doing the damage. This is where it came off the thumb of Mwaga Tutia. Dagostino diving. Japan unable to defend. The heat of that hit was immense. And the two-point lead is restored. Garrett Nwagatutia with the serving now for the USA. Didn't get his ball toss quite right there and had to sort of improvise a bit with the serve. Japan side out. Yamauchi. D'Agostino. Ma. Flying spike from Kyle Ensign. Ensign showing that he's got plenty to offer this American side. He's done really well. Whenever he's come on during the week, Ensign has been excellent. Fires that one between the blocker and the antenna. Ryu, Hensi underneath it, Mwaga Dutir sends it forward, oh, flying pick up, and net touch called I think against Yeshki, Yeshki here, yeah on his way down. Japan within one 12-13 an ace could make the difference Get to hit an ace in the game Lifted up chance here from the lefty can't penetrate Ryu again And this time they make it happen with Tatsunori Otsuka All square at 13 all battling their way back into contention. John Sparrow looks slightly concerned. Hasn't called a timeout yet, though, in this second set. Oh, too good. Massive hit. Mwaga Tutia came steaming in. On the diagonal right into the corner with this spike. Great work from Garrett Mwagatutia. 14-13. Mahrez serve. D'Agostino couldn't keep that one going so Japan side out again. Ryu lovely back set. Otsuka backing it up. Otsuka serving now. D'Agostino, Ma. Averill, still in play, wonderful defense from Japan as the Americans try their offense again. Good opportunity, Japan lead for the first time in this second set, 15-14 in front. Shoma Tomita, that's woken up. The fans in the Yoyogi National Stadium now. Long. Not by much. But Otsuka misses with his serve. He's got a tennis score, 15-0. Had a 30-0 the other day. Averill. Averill penalised. Double contact, in fact it was Yeshki not Averill. Yeshki called for double contact. Japan in front again. Garrett Mwagatutia having a little word with Yu Yang, our first referee. Yes, Ma. Great defence again from Japan. And they attack. Oh no. Caught too thick. That was a chance for Tomita. Couldn't get any downward direction on the ball and it sailed out the back. 16 all, second set, Japan trailing by one set to nil. Mars done a really good job, started this second set with the serving duties and he's... Done really good things so far. It's blocked, picked up by Ogawa. Goodness me, how did he get down for that one? Here's Maher again. Oh, what a hit from Jeske. Explosive play from the Americans. Turning a difficult situation into a point winner. Jeske. Brilliant. 111 kilometers per hour timeout taken by Japan ...like this, we score opposite. And opposite, we don't score. We're not good. We're with both the defense. So, one of you guys, on five, let's watch that for the position. Okay? Ready for zero. Okay. USA ahead by one, 17-16 and by one set to nil. You're watching VBTV, the final match of the week here at the Japanese leg, Pool B of the Olympic qualifying tournament. Both these teams have qualified for... as 20-24. USA unbeaten, top of the group. Japan with that extraordinary loss to Egypt, but they beat Slovenia 3-0 to ensure they qualify for the Games. Averill serve. Slower ball this time from Averill. drill that's well worked keeping it straight forward Akihiro Yamauchi provided the accuracy and pace to win the point after they called their time out to go all square Ishikawa's on hence the roar around the arena Yuki Ishikawa hoping to provide some firepower for Japan here ...set, oh, Ogawa underneath it, Ishikawa sends it back into play, oh goodness me, it's going to work out, Agostino has to cross it, wonderful work from Kyle Agostino to keep the point alive here. The block is wide, Japan get the point. And they were saved by the brilliant work from Yuki Ishikawa who scurried to the side and somehow kept the point going. USA have called a timeout. Let's listen in to see what John Sparrow has to say. The assistant coach giving the team talk there, not John Sparrow. Different perspective on the game. Proud are enjoying this. Late in the second set. Japan are ahead. David Smith is on for the Americans. They've got work to do if they want her 2-0 lead. Japan lead by a single point. And make that two. They've got a winner, an ace from Kento Miyawara. On to the floor. Yeshiki could do nothing about it. Kento Miyawara's left hand doing some serious damage. 19-17 Japan have a two-point lead for the first time since the start of the first set. Miyawara can't get a second. Ma. Well played by Kyle Ensign. More changes, Sakita's on for the first time. He has been quite sensational. Listen to the roar, he's enjoying the attention here. Masahiro Sakita gets his first taste of action tonight. Here's Sakita, straight into the thick of it. And he tees up Ishikawa quite beautifully. Japan have a two-point lead in the second set. Ishikawa's spike at 109 kilometers per hour. Oh! Ogawa. Ishikawa. Ishikawa's earned another one for Japan. Brad Takahashi dancing to the tune of Japanese success here. Ishikawa, they're chanting his name, one of the big stars. Yuki Ishikawa has made an immediate impact. We create nine possibilities to counter attack. We touch the ball now, we touch. We need to wait a little more and play. We're number 14. Perfect and flat, we play three outs, medium pass, we play open. We're three to go here. One, two, three. Watch it come. Three clear here Japan. They've got one foot over the finish line in this second set. Claw one back, move within two. John Sparrow looks on passively. Gower with a good dig. And this man's involved again. Yuki Ishikawa has made all the difference since he came on. And Ran's on as well. Listen to the roar for Ran. The two big stars of Japanese volleyball. Into the fray here, 22-19 they lead in the second set. Looking like they will go one all shortly. Ran will serve. Good looking serve. Ma over the top. Yeski tried to be a bit cute with that one. It's fired home in the end by Ma. Micah Ma climbing all over that one. Yeshke's first attempt failed. Ma putting extra energy into the hit. Two behind. Japan closing in on the second set now. Sekita teeing up Lowry. 3.20 side out Japan. Sakuta's off. Brief appearance for him. Ishikawa's serve finds the net. Ryu Yamamoto comes on to make the playmaker roll as Ishikawa gets a break. Next to serve for the USA will be the setter, Mike Amar. They need a block here, the Americans, they've got one. Not decisive though, however, it's their point. Ryu scrambling the ball away. The Americans have closed the gap. They are one down, 22-23. Another timeout taken by Philippe Blanc, the head coach of Japan. For what will be the final installment of this second set, one way or the other, Americans will serve. They are a point behind 22-23. It'll be Mike Amar serving for the second time. USA won the first set 25-19 much tighter affair in the second Ryu blocked all and wide and it's set point Japan 24-22 set point for the host nation as Gawa's come off Oh, and it's an ace to Rapi. Fabulous finish from Tatsunori Otsuka. He gets the ace. Japan get the second set. It's 1-1 here at the Yoyogi National Stadium. In the final game of this Olympic qualifying tournament in Tokyo. The top two teams in Pool B are level. That was a thriller wasn't it? The ebb and flow of the scoreline was fascinating. This is how it ended. D'Agostino unable to guide the ball back into play. To give Tatsunori Otsuka his first ace of the game. Pan take the second set, 25 points to 22. We've yet to see Yuji Nishida in action. He'll get, if he does come out onto the court, he will get an incredible welcome because he has been sensational, particularly with his serving numbers, top scorer in the Olympic qualifying tournament rankings. 13 aces in total for Eugene Ishida. And the final instructions and deliberations between the players. Coaches stepping away now. Players coming back onto court for the start of set number three. Exactly an hour since the match began. Mike Amar keeps his setting position for... the USA and Ryu Yamamoto will stay as the playmaker for Japan. David Smith's out onto court. Yeshki and Averill also out into the action. Ishikawa is having a rest at the start and Sakita is watching on as well. Japan starting left to right in all black. One set all. Ma. Flipped over. Ma back into position. Flying from the back. Thomas Yeshiki and Ryu unable to get underneath it. Jump set. Great pick up there from Ogawa. Averill serve. Ryu. Into the left flank. Great work at the back from Mieschke to get underneath that. And the ball is blocked. Lively start to this third set already. Thomas Jaschke, great save. Mwaga Tutia saw the ball ping back from the block and hit him in the chest. Good start to set three. Yeah, that's what David Smith can do. Mighty spike from Smith at the feet of Oktuka. Ensign serving. Ryu. No, not enough height on that one from Larry. Block wasn't required. Larry found the fence. Ensign for the second time. Kyle Ensign, 26 years old. Plays in the French. He got himself an ace there, Nsing, Japan have tidied it up and steal the point. Shoma Tomita, Larry serve, Ma. Oh, that was met quite brilliantly by Shoma Tomita. What a start he's had to this third set. Big block. Ensign saw it ping straight back and he couldn't do anything about it. Japan you sense have a bit of momentum here Philippe Gland with his arms outstretched as you watch that block run successfully Yeshki brings them in front again 4-3 Garrett Mwaga to tier 7. Ryu goes the entire width of the net with a set diving dig from Ensign, but it's Japan's point. Wonderful setting from Ryu. The whole width of the net used and Shoma Tomita who has had a brilliant start to this third set gets another one. He's blocked, he's spiked, he's shown his softer side with some clever creativity. Ball well hit by Tomasz Jeszke that time. I reckon it was with that physicality that's available to them. A lot of movement on that serve from Miura. Left to right movement but it was received perfectly. Smith unable to reach the ball. They're going side out for side out in this third set. USA took the first 25-19. Japan bounce back to take the second 25-22. No gaps as yet in the scoreboard in set three. How's that going? Dealt with all, went right back to Japan. They should score behind their serve. D'Agostino in the way. Yeshki. Another opportunity for Japan, but it's under the net and away. Americans getting away with that one. USA lead six points to five. One set all. Loose serve. I've seen many missed serves from the Americans. 91% of serves in in that second set. Compared to just 75% for the Japan side. But Maikamaru made a mess of that one. And it's a side out and a serve coming in from Yamauchi. Now when they are that close and that short and sweet, Averill and Ma are a lethal combination here. Ma, Averill, slams it home. Nice finish. Sonori Otsuka, the number five, going away from the outstretched hands of Nsing and Averill. Too many of those in this match from Japan. Serving has not been at its best. All the superstars lined up hoping to get some action. Nishida, Sekita, Ryan Takahashi and Yuki Ishikawa, all spectators at the moment. As Averill heads off to be replaced by Kyle D'Agostino, he's coming on the number 10. Eric Shoghi started the game, Kyle D'Agostino getting some volleyball action now. Too big, bounced off the block and over the back. Matsuka just had to watch it land. David Smith with a big hit. Muscling that point for the USA. Spiro, an emotional spectator at the moment. Yet to see a two-point lead. Larry Serv, next to go for Japan. Ensign can't put it away. Japan take the point. Two American players standing and staring, no one committing to the ball, no one taking responsibility. Down it went. John Sparrow looking a little less impressed now. Mark. Oh, that stayed on the USA side of the court. Just when I say we haven't had a two-point lead. One appears. Japan ahead by two. 11-9. Timeout taken by the Americans. John Sparrow wants to work with his men. John Sparrow singling out his setter for a chat there. Mike Amar getting some personal advice from the head coach. Five blocks to four. Two aces to one so far in the game. Japan. Leading the third set by 11 points to 9, Larry Cerf. Here's Ma, will they win the first point after their time out? Well that's a setter's dream isn't it? Micah Ma, for the first time in the game, goes solo. Christensen would have enjoyed that. Seen a few of those from him this week. Mwaga Tutia's serve. Ryu. Shoma Tomita back in business. He's been their top scorer so far in this third set. Shoma Tomita with a juicy finish. Two point lead restored 12-10. Antoni Yarra overdoing the serve. Smith serve. Ryu. Oh, down it went. There was half a chance for the Americans to get contact on the ball, but it stayed too low. Crowd doing their best here, and so far the team are responding. Shoma Tomita with the next serve for the host nation. Mwaga Tutia. Set from Ma. And a hit from Mwaga Tutia. He had one and three. Comes up short. And things are rather unravelling for the USA here in this third set. They are 14-11 down. Michael Christensen wondering if he'll get recalled. Tomita again, great looking serve, Averill, Ensign deep in the court, can't do much from there. Ryu, advances to Japan, slammed home, four points in front, dominant display now in set three from the Japanese team. And the fans are loving it. Hey, good target serving here right now, okay? We'll get some medium passes. Medium passes is this. So just four feet. Just be disciplined with your hands. We're reaching a lot. We're trying to do too much. Get straight over. Good system behind it. We'll get some scoring opportunities, okay? Be patient. Target serving was the call from John Sparrow. We'll see how that works out. But at the moment, they're going to have to receive because at the restart here, Japan are four points in front. Japan, 15, USA, 11. One set all. We're deep in the third set here. Anderson and Christensen are spectators. Timeouts done the job. And so much as the Americans win the first point after their timeout, but they were gifted it rather by Shoma Tomita, a rare error from him. Michael Maas served. Make certain of it. Ryu. Back-court attack. Steaming in Kento Miyawara. The left-hander who's taken the role of Yuji Nishida today and he's done well. Off the block and out. Just too hot to handle for the blockers. Japan stretch their lead again. Four in front. It's heavy from Yeshki. Yeshki with the serve now. 30 year old American, Thomas Yeshki. He's probably volleyball in Japan. This hasn't gone well for Japan. Ball is still alive. Can they get the point? D'Agostino underneath it. It's gone right back to Japan. Simple finish. And they are loving it here now. This third set has gone away from the Americans. Thunderous noise around the Yoyogi National Stadium. Waiting for the official numbers to come through about capacity. We have 6,000 in for the Slovenia-Serbia game. It was already well populated. You can imagine that it is near capacity now for this one. As Japan move further clear. Katsunori Otsuka provides that point. Point number 18 in this third set. Nakamaru, backcourt attack for the Americans. They've missed it. In fact, I think Tomasz Jeski was penalised for encroaching. Let's see if we can get another look at this. No. 19-13. Pan six points clear. Matt Anderson smiling at the side. He would love to get back on and try and fix things, but Spiro happy to stick with what he's got at the moment with the replacement setter, Mike Amar. One or two others who haven't had too much game time this week. The hard work has been done. The qualification has been achieved. They would love to keep their unbeaten record, of course. joust going on there and another one for japan they get to 20. 2014 very one-sided now Pan will almost certainly go on to win this third set. It'll be interesting to see how the Americans react. Do they try and go for a different line-up? Maybe we'll see TJ DeFalco for the first time. Perhaps Michael Christensen will resume the setting role. Matt Anderson and Aaron Russell might get some game time as well. USA 16. 16-20 in serving here. Ensign is rear with the set. The block goes wide. Japan close in on set number three. Left hand of Garrett Mwaga Tutia. Not quite strong enough to help Japan through and Ran Takahashi is on in the third set for the first time. Warm welcome for Ran. 21-16. If he hits an ace here, the place will erupt. We are going behind the back line. Over the top, D'Agostino gets in the way, Maher takes it on, and they've got the point. Maikomar for the second time in this third set, wins the point on one. Double contact called against the Japanese players, so we're trying to scramble the ball back off the net here. Here's Maher. Two successive touches there called against Akihira Yamauchi. 17-21, USA side out. Mwaga Tuti is served. D'Agostino does well. The Americans are starting to look more positive in this third set. They've got another one. Gap is shrinking, 18-21 now. Timeout taken by Japan. Let's see what Philippe Blas has to say here. And he's pretty happy by the sounds of it. Very good. Good communication. Good job. Just trying to slow things down. They are four points away from taking it two sets to one lead. This match deserves to be five sets, doesn't it really? Less riding on it now of course with both teams having qualified for Rio, er for Paris. Two games out there, Rio then Tokyo then Paris 2024. And here's Ryu. That block goes wide again. Big hit here from Shoma Tomita who's had a really busy third set. I think Yuki Ishikawa's come on, hence the vibe around the arena. Ishikawa lining up. Oh, it's an ace! Beautifully struck by Kento Miyawara, his first ace of the game. Look at that. An absolute peach from Miyawara's left hand. Japan 2 away from making it two sets to one. Can Miyawara take them all the way? Ah, that's the set. Did that miss? No, hit the target. Good enough from Garrett Mwaga Tutia. Sakita is on. Take up the setting duties probably for the remainder of this third set. David Smith with the serve. Sikita coming forward. Sikita involved again. Backcourt attack. Ryan switches. It's down, beautifully done. Oh, that is special from Rad Takahashi. They all thought he was going to hit, he became a jump setter and fed it perfectly. Teed up Shoma Tomita for yet another point. Big thumbs up from Shoma. Set point. Japan to go two sets to one in front. unbelievable skill on display there from Ran Takahashi showing the crowd what they've been missing in this match and there it is 25-19 Japan lead the way by two sets to one Food for thought for the Americans as they head to their benches for discussions and possible changes. Ishikawa and Ran coming on late in the third set. It was a good third set. There's a fourth set to come next. Japan lead the way here in the final game of the Olympic qualifying tournament. By two sets to one. Set four to follow. This fourth set by Masahiro Sakita. The big superstars are off the court at the moment. No sign of Ran Takahashi or Yuki Ishikawa. And so far we haven't seen anything of Yuji Nishida. Thomas Yashki coming on for the USA. Japan lead by two sets to one. You're watching VB TV, great to have you with us wherever you are in the world. Both teams have qualified for Paris 2024, they achieved that yesterday with their respective victories. Kawa watching from the sidelines, waiting for his fourth set to begin. The new man, Larry Ikebade-Dan, brought in to replace the injured Kentaro Takahashi. He only came into the squad yesterday for this final game. Americans top of the table, unbeaten this week. Japan with that shock defeat at the hands of Egypt. Into the fourth set, here we go. Great pick up from Ogawa, diving to his left. Backcourt attack for Japan and their first strike in the fourth set. Kentomi Yara absolutely flying into the game at the start of this fourth set. Hand side out, on serving, D'Agostino, Ma, nicely done by the Americans, short and sharp and David Smith unloading down the centre, David Smith. Almost totally deaf wears the hearing aids, one in each ear, does a lot of lip reading with his opponents, the oldest man on the American roster serving here, 38 years old, he's had a brilliant week in Tokyo, good looking serve, Ryu, blocks out, block goes wide from Garrett Maga to Tia, and leading the way, side out 2-1, they lead two sets to one, they lead two points to one in the four. Good finish there from Tatsunori Otsuka. Marset, flying hit from Yeshiki but he can't kill it off. Chance for Japan. Now they can rebuild the Americans here from the back. And this time it's down. Mwaga Tutia has some success. Early in the fourth set, Japan leading by two sets to one as Kyle Ensign slams his serve into the net. Oh well played. Hang on a minute did Mwaga Tutia make contact with the net before the ball was dead? There's a discussion going on. They've been given the point and lead 4-2 if things stay this way in this fourth set. But we're heading upstairs for some video analysis here, video challenge from the USA. Now we wait for the outcome. Matthew Anderson. Started the game but has been a spectator for much of sets two and three. Video analysis taking a little bit of time. Was there a net touch here? Was the ball dead when, you know, I think it was. I think it's a net touch ball. He touches the net. The ball isn't down. It's a good decision from first referee Liu Jiang. Japan keep their two point cushion. They lead 4-2 and by two sets to one. Larry served for the second time. D'Agostino underneath it. Comfortably finished off by Jeff Jendrick who's on the court and getting some game time. Late in the game, Jendrick introduced and making an impact already. Hard blocked, good blocking. That's made a difference now for the USA and the two-point cushion has been wiped out. Jeff Gendrick with a spike and then a block. He has really shored up the USA's front line, Geoff Gendrick, Geoffrey Gendrick II. That was in Italy. Ogawa, then Ryu, and then flying in from the back. Another big hit from Tatsunori Otsuka. He's been busy in this game, Otsuka. And that was time to perfection. The Yawra had an ace late in that third set. That's fairly straightforward for Tom Jeschke. Jump set from Ma. Jeschke right alongside. A bit of a joust going on there. USA with a bit of space to move. Ensign from the back. Ogawa gets behind it. Ryu. Strokes away. They've come back to Japan's side of the court. Lifted up. Ma. They had an extra hit there, the Americans. Ogawa in brilliant form again. One of the longest rallies of the game. And it's still advantage USA and Smith takes it. Brilliant from Dave Smith. 6-5, Gendry serve a slower ball, they're slow but they can be tricky to read. Having to scramble this ball back now. Martek's it on. This time he'll feed. Smith this side. They're going to leave it way behind the line. Well is Mike Amard getting just a little predictable with his... On one set of solo moves. He's done it two or three times. Japan starting to read it. However, the Americans are in front. 7-5. Not too much. Sometimes you cannot take only your own team because they are moving on. Sometimes we have to share and play different things. Plans, instructions in English translated for... The setter, Yuyama Moto. USA ahead in this fourth set. You've just joined us, great to have you with us on BBTV. Final game of the week here in Tokyo. USA took the first 25-19, Japan the second 25-22, the third 25-19, leading by 2-7-5 in the fourth, the USA. Block winner. Mike Amar getting the block. Ping back off Tomita's hand and down. The Americans stretch their advantage. It's out to three now. Gendry. Have to score here. Japan, but they haven't. Another solid block this time from David Smith. CJ DeFalco watching on from the side. He enjoyed that. David Smith's right hand. Kento Miyaw was claiming the ball had landed out but it was right under the referee's perch. Kai Masato has come on. 9-5 USA League. Ensign lifts it back. Pan must score here and they do and Kai Masato gets a point alongside his name. The youngster just 20 years old. Normally he's been brought on at the end of a set for a bit of serving but they've decided to give him some proper game time here and he's rewarded the coach's confidence with a big spike there. It's an ace. John Sparrow is looking quizzically. 9-7. Khan closing the gap. Remember they lead by two sets to one. Kain Asato. Serving again. Ogawa did brilliantly, here's the set, try again, Ryu over the top, down it goes kept alive by Ma, Ogawa in the right place at the right time yet again Ensign intercepts, great point, brilliant volleyball, where's it going? Oh it's over Maher saw the gap at the back of court and sent it over the top and away for a winner. Intelligent play by Mike and Maher. Pan get another one. Closing the gap down to two. Larry on the front line now. Slow ball on serve, Ma goes far side, targets Kyle Ensign. That was a juicy set. Using the whole width of the court. Carl Enssing steaming in for the winner. USA restore their three-point cushion, 11-8 they lead. Just long. Leszczyk is served. Over done, missed by... 10 centimetres. Pan-2 behind, 9-11. Good looking serve, Mark, underneath it, compound with a good opportunity here, they'll go again, oh they were all watching, all watching and reversing away from the ball which landed on the floor to give the USA another decent lead, off the head of the blocker and down it went. David Smith will serve again 12-9 the Americans League and one he'd like to forget I think there David Smith it's a break D'Agostino takes it on, setting up Garrett Mwaga to tear, unconvincing though. Ma, very good from Gendrick. Gendrick nailing that spike. With a jump set from Ma, Gendrick alongside on the setter's shoulder for the winner. Point cushion remains intact. Are we going the distance? Will this be a five-set thriller? And will we see the big superstars from Japanese volleyball make their entrance for a fifth and final set if we go that far? And we'll hope to wrap it up in four, of course, but to do so, they first need to get level with the Americans. They need some points behind serve. Larry's serve. Smart. Great defence. Somehow it's gone back to Japan's side of the court. The point is still alive. And Japan score. Closing the gap. That was incredible from Otsuka. And then he was back on his feet to hit the winner. One behind, 12.13. 10,660 in the arena tonight. That I think is the best attendance of the week. Mike Amar does it again on one from the set up. Garrett Mwagatutia serving the USA lead 14-12. Japan lead by two sets to one. That's not coming back. And the gap is a single point again. Big spike from the left handed Kento Miyawara Place for the Suntory Sunbirds. And we'll serve now. Got an ace earlier in the game. I might get another one. He has. It's a second ace from Miyara. Ace, ace. They love that jingle, especially when it's a Japan ace. Look at the height he gets above. the line oh goodness me that was risky from ma ended up in the gangway between the rows of seats 14 all japan lead by two sets to one the usa have taken a time out Kyle, paint it. You're in the same place. You've got to work it with your wrist. So the Americans opened up a decent lead early in this fourth set. They've been pegged back now from some determined, tenacious play from Japan. Gendrick made a difference when he first appeared. Positive reception 65-62, excellent. 42-43. The numbers tick away at the top of the scoreboard. But it's the 14-all that counts. Pan leading 2-1. He's got another one! Unbelievable! Miyawara's third ace of the game and he gets that. One right after the USA timeout. That will hurt. Kento Miyara looking for his fourth ace of the game now. This one comes up short. Can this get level at 15 or... David Smith back on the front line, Kyle Ensign, the serve is in, it's a tricky one, it's got a cross here, USA should get this point behind serve, backcourt attack, and it didn't happen, Garrett Mwaga to Tia, hitting the net with his follow through. 16-15. Will it be the dream finish for Japan? Defeating the Americans in the final game another ace. They are two points in front and it's the youngster Kai Masato who makes a serious impact with his first ace. his first ace of the week hasn't had much game time and the Japanese support group thoroughly engaged here Masato will go against 1750 six aces in this match from the host nation That's out of the court. David Smith with a rush of blood to the head has missed the target. Japan are three in front now, 18-15. John Sparrow is getting worked up. Now the instruction is clear, low serve to Masato. The youngster, they want to target the inexperienced Kai Masato, who's just served that eight. Work to do here for the Americas, they've got to get the side out first and have the right to serve. Kai Masato making a serious contribution. David Smith has just missed a straightforward spike and Masato will serve for the third time. Started with an ace. USA have possession. Yeski puts it away. 104 kilometres per hour. First set to the USA 25-19 and a 25-22 second set for Japan. They took the third 25-19 again. D'Agostino diving at the back of court. Ma over the top. Well placed by Jeske. Clever finish. The Americans starting to build some momentum again. Jeske rolling that one down for a winner. Time out for Japan. Their lead reduced to a single point. Philippe Blanc, what's the word? If we don't receive, it should be good in pipe. So here we go, back onto court. Japan lead by two sets to one and by 18 points to 17. USA have just won the last two points before Japan took the timeout. The instruction was to serve low to this man. Let's see if that happens here. Miles served. Masato does well. Here's the set. Oh, thumping winner. Kento Miyawara. What a game he's had. Chanting his name now, Miara, Miara. 1917. Slower serve, D'Agostino, Mark, over the top, watched and read, here's the set. Chance for Ensign for the USA, can't kill the point, Ryu, Miura, gets another. Miura, his left hand has been... Teasing the Americans this evening in Tokyo. Three-point cushion restored, 20-17 they lead. Another slow serve in. Ma. Ensign. Ensign didn't get any heat on the ball. Miura! Rescue good defense from the Americans not a long rally evolving here in the end of his state from Otsuka USA side out Smith wants some More maintenance done on the court. Couple of damp patches under the net. 2018 they lead. USA will serve the next point. Yeshki. Out of position here Ryu, over the top, Ma off his knees, D'Agostino becomes the setter and it's away from Kyle Ensign. The Americans plug the gap again. One point separating them deep in this fourth set. If we go to a fifth gap it will be a tie break set first to 15. The change of ends halfway through. Yeshke again, Ryu, chased to the back, watched by Yeshke, he's put too much on the return though this, oh they've got away with it, Yeshke, his heart must have been in his mouth when he saw the ball sail over to Japanese hands but they did not take their opportunity and it's all square 2020 in the fourth From Spiro, his heart must be racing. Yeski again, his third serve. It's an ace for Yeski. Thomas Yeski puts the USA in front. His first ace of the game. 109 kilometres per hour. They lead 21-20. Yesuke lining up another one 17 20 to 21 20 now the good-looking serve from yes, Ryu Too much on that and it's unraveling here for Japan the otherwise ultra reliable Kento Miyawara Misses big time there round is coming on Takahashi, they need some of his magic here. Number 12, Suka off, Ran on. Ran! Still have one hit available for Japan and that counts! What a play! Miyawara making up for the earlier mistake with a massive spike at 104 kilometers per hour to bring Japan within 1. 21-22. Good looking serve. Mark. Comfortable in the end for David Smith. Smith cuts the shot away and lines up to serve now 23-21. Ryu, spinning away out of reach for the Americans. Pan one behind. He plans in a hurry for something. Ryan's ready to serve. Ryan Takahashi. Can he bring them level? Rand's serve, comes up short, it's set point USA, 24-22. And Kyle Ensign is heading back with ball in hand for this next serve, which might be the last of this fourth set. USA staring at a 2-2 scoreline here. Good serve from Ensign. Recycle ball, they don't need to, they've been given the point. Set point save. There's a video challenge here I think from the Americans. They were penalised for a net touch, it's being checked. Long wait for these video analysis replays to come through. Was there a net touch against Mike Amar, Sahir or against Jendrik? The ball hit the net and I think, oh I thought the finger just hit, hit the net. But no net touch is the official decision. Point will be replayed. 24-22, Ensi. Ryu. And away it goes. So it's the same outcome. Tomeita with the big hit. To save that set point. And Yuki Ishikawa is on. On to serve. 27 year old plays in Milan. Ishikawa is the chant now. Ishikawa produced something tasty here to bring them level. Chance for the Americans to wrap up the set and we're going the distance. It's two sets all. 25-23 in favor of the USA in the fourth set. It was always going to be five sets, wasn't it, this one? Clash of the... top two teams in the table it's two sets all Japan will be licking their wounds because they were four points clear at one stage in that fourth set the Americans have it and we're into a decider well A week ago yesterday, four games every day. Japan have been involved in the evening sellout game every day. 7.25 they've taken top billing. The Americans have played, apart from today, every game at 4pm. This is their first. Match in front of capacity crowds at the Yoyogi National Stadium. Nearly 11,000 in tonight. One more set to come. First to 15. Haven't seen Max Holt in the game yet. Pam will serve from right to left. Here we go. Final set underway. Two sets all. First point of the final set goes to Tom Jeschke. Made this look easy, didn't they, the Americans? Jeske with a thumping spike down the middle Smith serves and comes up short Larry with the serve Mike Amar and... Jeff Jendrick with the power and pace unstoppable through the center. Backcourt attack blocked out. And applause for that from Micah Christensen. Japan in a sticky situation here. Gendry. I don't think he had to block, I think there just was not sufficient height on the ball. Maybe he got a touch on it but it was straight into the net. USA lead 3-1. Final set. Another loose serve from the Americans but one from Smith and then one from NC. Miura, three aces in the game so far from the left-hander. Can he find another one here? Garrett Mwagatu hits one and three. Japan on the attack. And they score. Miura. His name echoing around the arena. That spike between the blockers hands and the early danger has been undone. Over the top, not clever enough from Jendrik that time. Japan with another chance. Ogawa, Miura! Nails it again! Niara making the difference for Japan. Kento Niara interrupted as the USA call a timeout a third of the way through the final set. We'll find a way. Just run. Here we go. Okay, move. USA. Run inside, boys. Come on. Well, what a start to this final set. The Americans taking that early two-point advantage and then Miyawara arriving with flair and precision and pace and power and giving Japan a one-point lead. On we go. Nobody's leaving their seats. Both teams have qualified, of course, for the Olympics. Both teams hungry for victory here tonight. Miura's left-handed serve, making life tough for Ma. Ogawa does brilliantly. Ryu, Miura, Ogawa again. Ryu, this time it drops, the block works for Ensign. Was it? No, I beg his pardon, it wasn't Ensign, it was Garrett Mwaga-Tutia who took the block for the Americans to bring them all square, four all. Two sets all, four points all, final set. Miyaura, they thought the point was over but the Americans have somehow kept it alive. They'll go again and this time it's racked up by Shoma Tomita. Beautiful set across the width of the court from Ryu. Shoma Tomita. unloading frustration for Mike Amar, Shoma Tomita with the serving role now Here we go, Tomita's serve. Forgettable in the end. The Americans are all square at five. We'll see a slower ball serve coming in now from Jeff Jendrick. Doesn't serve with pace and power but rarely misses. Ogawa, Ryu. Mark, Yeshke, Americans will try again, Yeshke sends it over, ran out of hits, back corner tack, blocked again and David Smith gets his monster block. Tomita sent it right into Smith's left wrist. They're saying ahead by one, six five. Jendrik serving for the second time. This is tough for Japan. And Miyawa is blocked. And the Americans stretch their lead. Seven five. Final set. Miyawa coming in with all the pace he could master. And on comes Yuki Ishikawa and on comes Masahiro Sakita. As Japan try to rescue this tricky situation. Sakita and Ishikawa on. Haven't seen Ran on yet. He may join them. Oh what a hit from Ensign. Ogawa has been so rock solid in defence but he could do nothing about that. USA take the advantage. 8 points to 5 and we have a side switch midway through the final set. Americans have won every game since they started their campaign a week ago yesterday. They are three points clear, seven from victory over the host nation Japan. Some of the big names have come back on to try and help Japan to recover the initiative here. They've had a couple of unconvincing attacks. Jendrik is serving again, this time from the UN. It's a miss, it's a big miss from Akihiro Yamauchi. 9-5 they lead. Is that just too much to make up here? We've seen fightbacks aplenty from Japan during the build-up to today's final game. Now they need to lift their heads. The solution on your left side. For both bike teams. Little bit higher. Block out. Block out. You can get the rebound. You can get the rebound. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Go. Well, they've done the hard yards and qualified for the games. That 3-0 victory over Slovenia yesterday secured their Olympic spot. The Americans qualified two yesterday with victory earlier in the day. Over Serbia, again 3-0. They want this final win. They want to finish with their heads held high. Right now the Americans are powering through this final set. Jendrik is omnipresent on serve. But his turn with the serving ends there. Japan, three points behind. Japan side out. Tsunoro Otsuka with the big spike. Yamauchi's serve. Snowball. Oh, taken on. Ma has done that so many times. Great to watch. Micah Ma, left-handed winner. On two, well played. It's time to serve now, 10-6. Forced their way through. Sekita teeing up Ishikawa. Who makes it count. And his name is ringing out around the arena now. Ishikawa needs some accurate serving here. And they called it out and out is exactly where it went. That is not what the doctor ordered at all for Ishikawa. Ryu back on. Ryu Yamamoto back with the serving duties. His opposite number in discussion with his front line here. Loose one from the Americans, but it may not matter. They maintain a three-point lead. Kai Masato comes on. The hike to the front line. Here's the set. Gawas done well. Block lands wide and that will be another one for Kento Miyawara. His left hand doing the damage is the ball pinged around between the blockers arms. Two behind, 9-11. Is there another Japanese comeback on the cards here? Well that was too strong from Smith. Can get within three of victory to remain unbeaten. It's the only time they've been five sets in their Olympic qualifying tournament. Oh no, miles away. Naomi Yawa has been given the point I think. Is there a blocked touch on that? Yes, there was. Just the middle finger of Garrett Mwaga Tutia. Well played. Garrett put his hand up and said, yeah, that touched my hand. 10-12. Larry's serve. Larry! Brilliant from D'Agostino. Used to play soccer as a kid. That was going out, they played it from the back. Can they win the point? Yes they can. 11-12 Japan back in business in the final set. Look at this from D'Agostino. Perfect overhead kick. Kinda subtle on the end of it. D'Agostino must be frustrated having saved the point. Ended up going to Japan. USA with a chance here and away they go. Two points clear once again. 13-11. Americans need two more. USA will serve. Ensign Sir, Rio have gone far side only as far as Yashki. Uwaga Tutia in an impossible position there. One point between them. Can Japan do this? They will serve realistically An ace is what's required from Kento Miyawara The Americans have it Which way is he going to point the referee? Japan's point! 13 all Oh it's match point though they thought it was Japan's point and then there was a change of decision and it is match point USA the cheer ran out around the arena they thought they'd done enough but it is match point USA on serve and it'll be Garrett Mwagatutia. That's going to be dangerously close to the net, they've rescued it, underneath it, chance for the Americans to wrap this up, and there it is, yes she gets the final point, it's a 15-12 final set scoreline for the Americans, their first final scoreline. setter of the Olympic qualifying tournament they are unbeaten in Tokyo what a week the American team have had a week in a bit beginning with the 3-0 win over Egypt keyed up 3-0 over Finland. They returned, dropping a set against Turkey on Tuesday 3-1. On Wednesday, they ran out 3-0 winners over Tunisia again. Once again, dropped a single set against Slovenia on Friday. Yesterday, 3-0 over Serbia. Today, they've been pushed to five sets by the host nation, Japan.