After a shocking two-game skid, World No. 7 Japan unleashed its fury on underdog Libya, cruising to a dominant 25-20, 25-17, 25-12 victory to close the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on a high note Wednesday evening.
The win came in front of an electrified Filipino crowd at a packed SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Struggling to find rhythm and identity against Round-of-16-bound teams Turkiye and Canada, the Ryujin Nippon finally clicked at the perfect moment. The fan-favorite trio of Kento Miyaura, team captain Yuki Ishikawa, and Ran Takahashi combined forces to repay the Filipino supporters with a morale-boosting performance.
Miyaura led the charge with 15 points, coming from 11 attacks, three aces, and one block. Ishikawa contributed 12 points on 11 attacks, while Takahashi added 11 points on nine attacks.
The victory ensured Japan avoided a winless World Championship campaign, finishing third in Pool G with a 1-2 record.
“This year, we were not doing well, but next year we will come back stronger. We have to show the Philippine fans a better performance next time,” Ishikawa said.
Building on a commanding start in the first two sets, Ryujin Nippon did not rest on its laurels. Timely contributions from Larry Evbade-Dan, Miyaura, and Takahashi turned a narrow 7-5 lead into a decisive 21-9 advantage, effectively sealing the win.
Larry posted 10 points on nine attacks and one block, while Shunichiro Sato added eight points from five attacks, two aces, and one block.
“I was surprised at how many fans came. The power and support they give is amazing. At the hotel, they always ask for my picture. I really appreciate the fans,” Takahashi shared.
Meanwhile, Libya — making its first World Championship appearance since 1982 — may have ended the tournament winless after three pool-stage matches, but the Ghazi Koubaa-led squad had a memorable farewell.
Team captain Foad Elmaarug — the oldest player in the tournament at 42 — was honored with a retirement ceremony. He swapped jerseys with Miyaura and hung his historic sneakers on the net to close the match.
Ahmed Ikhbayri was the lone Libyan in double figures with 11 points, while Mohamed Ikhbayri contributed eight points in the losing effort.
