Italy and Japan in box seat for final two Olympic volleyball spots

June 7, 2008

Eight men’s volleyball teams are currently fighting it out for the final two berths in the Olympic volleyball tournament. The matches are being played in Tokyo, Japan.

The winner of the event and the best placed Asian team will be on their way to Beijing in August.

After five matches Italy is sitting at the top of the standings after going 5-0. Australia as the current Asian champions may have thought themselves a good chance to go to the Olympics as the Asia representative however it is not going to plan for the Aussies.

After a good opening to the tournament where the Australian team won their first two matches they have suffered three losses in a row. The first loss to the Italians may have been expected however the loss to South Korea came as a crushing blow for their hopes of making the Olympics. Yesterday Japan added another nail in the coffin after they defeated the Aussies 3-0.

Only two matches remain for each of the teams playing in a round robin format. Japan faces Argentina and then Algeria. I would expect Argentina to defeat Japan however Japan should clinch their Olympic berth with a win over Algeria on the final day.

Thrilling win secures Japan a Beijing Olympic volleyball berth

Written by rob · Filed Under Volleyball, volleyball beijing olympics