Poland defeats Japan again at FIVB World League 2008

(BEIJING, July 13) -- During the fifth weekend of the Intercontinental Round of the FIVB World League 2008, Poland pleased the home crowd with a 25-14, 25-23, 19-25, 25-17 defeat of Japan in Lodz on July 12. With seven wins and three losses, Poland stays at the top of pool D.

"Players did a great job attacking in the first set. They had no problems with answering to Japan's fast attacks," said Raul Lozano, head coach of the Polish team. "I'm very happy with my team's performance and with the fact that the finals are at hand."

In the other pool D match, Egypt beat China 25-15, 25-22, 25-17 in Cairo, after losing their previous match on July 11. Egypt improved their win-loss record to 4-6, while China dropped to 5-5.

Brazil claimed a 3-0 victory over France in their third match in the tournament at Mineirinho Gymnasium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The South American team continues to lead pool A with 16 points, while France remains No. 2 with 15 points.

"We played with these players for the first time in this year and it made the difference in our game," said Brazilian coach Bernardo Rezende. "We known that we have to improve our game and playing games like this, against France, can grow up."

In pool B, the Republic of Korea tried to deliver their best performance in front of the home crowd, but could not hold off the Cubans' strong attacks, losing the match 21-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-19. With this loss, the ROK suffered their ninth straight defeat and remains at the bottom of pool B. Host team Russia now leads the group, after beating Italy 25-20, 24-26, 27-29, 25-22, 15-12 in Kazan.

Finland got their second victory after defeating Bulgaria 3-2, improving their win-loss record to 2-7. The United States still leads pool C, after claiming a 3-1 victory over Spain at the US Cellular Coliseum. Bulgaria takes second place with 14 points.

Five more matches will be played on July 13.