Japan bounce back from Azerbaijan upset to beat Belgium

World No. 3 Japan put their upset by Azerbajan behind to beat Belgium 25-22, 22-25, 25-20, 25-23 on the second day of the 2014 FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship on Wednesday, Xinhua reported.

Ebata Yukiko scored game high 29 points for Japan who lost to Azerbajan in their opening match on Tuesday.

Japan captain Saori Kimura highlighted the importance of the win which could prove decisive to their progress to the next phase.

"This victory is very important because it redeems the defeat of yesterday," she said. "It is very important to focus for the following matches. We have regained our fighting spirit," she said.

Azerbajan could not repeat their inspired performance before well-prepared China who won their duel 25-13, 25-16, 25-17.

China did well in blocking where they won 15 points to Azerbajan's 4.

"We made detailed analysis of the match between Azerbajan and Japan, and decided that we should stop Azerbajan's attack with tough blocking, Our tactics paid off," said China head coach Lang Ping.

Like China, host Italy, World No. 1 Brazil, defending champions Russia and the Netherlands all retained impeccable records having dropped not a single set so far in the tournament.

World No. 2 USA, the Dominican Republic and Serbia improved their records to 2-0 as well while Germany, Turkey and Puerto Rico booked their first wins on the second tournament day.

The top four teams of all the four pools will advace to the next phase. The final will be held on Oct. 12 in Milan.

Bakudaily.Az