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Tribune News Network
DOHA
Debutants Qatar scripted a stunning 25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 25-16 victory over continental powerhouse Japan to move into the final of the sixth AVC Cup for Men at the University of Taipei Gymnasium on Tuesday.
In the final on Wednesday, Qatar's rivals are three-time winners and holders Iran, who defeated Chinese Taipei 25-19, 25-20, 25-23 to book their fifth appearance in the title-clash.
Middle players Mohamed Ibrahim and Nadir Abubakr notched up 16 points each for the winners. Mubarak Dahi Waleed added 15, while Belal Abunabot (13) and Renan Rebeiro (10) were other players to have contributed in double digits.
For Japan, Kento Miyaura was the lone fighter, getting 24 points, all from spikes.
"We were under pressure from the Japanese orderly blocks and solid defence and we had made some mistakes that were not seen before in this match. But we were able to fix the problems in time and won this thrilling game," said Qatar head coach Camilo Soto.
"As a coach, I did not focus too much on which team we are going to meet in the final. Instead, I focus more on improving my teams.
"My responsibility today on the court is to be a good receiver to ensure smooth combination of attacks. We have to keep patience, which we lacked in the second set so we lost the set," commented Ribeiro from Qatar.
Qatar and Japan entered the court with high confidence as both sides were seeking the final with the first set levelled at 10-10. Encouraged by a winning block completed by small setter Kobayashi Mitsuki at 15-13, the Japanese kept leading narrowly till 20-19 before Qatar's destructive serves and thundering attacks shattered the rivals' brick-wall defense. With the exciting cheers and whistles, Qatar claimed the hard-fought set 25-21.
In the second set, the Japanese continued their flexible tactics and clever attacks to surge ahead. Although Qatar trailed closely with dink spikes and solid blocks, Japan survived from the tense set 25-22.
The third set saw both sides trade strong blows until the second technical timeout 16-15. Holding advantage of high-point attacks, height and aggressive serves, Qatar gave away only four more points before wrapping it up comfortably at 25-19.
Throughout the fourth set, Japan fought at full blast, trying to pierce into the rivals' solid blocks. Although Miyaura helped Japan finish a long rally with his consecutive attempts of spikes to a 6-5 lead, Qatar could always find an easier way to respond making use of their height and power.
The Gulf team widened the gap from 8-7 to 16-10 at the second technical timeout. Then they continued to charge ahead and sealed the set at 25-16 before celebrating their entry into the final with throwing the coach in the air.
