Japan receives wild-card, two World League final round spots still up for grabs

(BEIJING, July 16) -- The sixth and last week of the intercontinental round of the FIVB World League begins on Friday, with two spots in the final round still to be decided. Japan was awarded the final round wild card spot by the FIVB on July 15, joining Brazil, Russia and the United States as teams already headed for the finals.

"Every year it is very difficult to choose the wild card, with lots of teams deserving this place," said Dr. Ruben Acosta, president of the FIVB. "Japan guarantees very good television coverage and they officially applied for the wild card in writing, telling the FIVB that they were ready to face the challenge."

Brazil, winner of five straight World League tournaments, is at the top of pool A with 18 points. With Brazil guaranteed a spot in the final rounds as the host, the matches between second-place France and third-place Serbia on Friday and Saturday will decide the final round spot for pool A. Brazil will play last place Venezuela on Friday and Saturday as they prepare for the final round.

Poland is currently in first place in Pool D with 17 points and a 7-3 record after winning two four-set matches against Japan last weekend. China sits in second place with 15 points and a record of 5-5. Poland plays Egypt on Friday and Saturday, needing just one win to clinch a final round spot. China will need to sweep Japan on Saturday and Sunday to have any chance at making the finals.

Russia and the United States have won pool B and C, respectively. Pool B play will wrap up its intercontinental round with Italy hosting Cuba and Russia playing the Republic of Korea. Pool C concludes with the USA facing second place Bulgaria and Finland facing Spain.

The final round of the FIVB World League takes place July 23-27 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.