Yugoslavia beat Japan 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-20) - duration 1:10
13-Jul, start time: 20:15, end time: 21:25 - Attendance: 3,475 Restorative victory of Olympic Champions Yugoslavia
The Olympic champions Yugoslavia charged into their match with Japan with dogged determination, determined to regain ground in this all-important Intercontinental Round 3 of the 2002 World League. In spite of frequent service errors, they still made short work of the match, closing out Japan in straight sets in just 64 minutes. It took them a mere 19 minutes and little effort to capture the first set 25-13. They continued to waltz through the second set, then the Japanese coach switched tactics to a more offensive game, resulting in some great points, well supported by the crowd. Yugoslavia went onto the court well relaxed with a 2-0 lead, but the Japanese were up 8-5 at the first technical time-out. They held their ground but were no match for the block and spike combination of Miljkovic and Boskan that put the match firmly back in Yugoslav hands. /mh
