South Korea vs. Japan | Pool A | Sat 7/31 6:40am ET

[trojansc]

Stream: stream.nbcolympics.com/volleyball-womens-prelim-match-23-japan-korea

Stats: olympics.com/tokyo-2020/olympic-games/en/results/volleyball/result-women-gpa-001200-.htm

KYK just might strike again. She led Korea to a 5-set (ofc) win over Dominican Republic and now Korea is just one win away from qualifying for the Quarterfinals. A win here guarantees that South Korea will be no worse than the #3 seed of Pool A.

A Korean win also means that Japan-DOM becomes a de-facto play-in match to the Quarterfinals (so long as DOM beats Kenya, even in 5 ). A Japanese win and the scenarios get more complicated, any combination of DOM/KOR/JPN can still qualify. No result from this match will knock out the Dominican Republic, no matter what.

What a huge opportunity for Korea. Japan will likely be without Koga again, this could certainly be a very fun match.

[basil]

Japan’s passing was extremely underwhelming against Serbia. Koreas got some good servers, if they can get Japan off the net and then find another way to score in transition other than Kim, they could be in good shape.

[speegs13]

Japan has really struggled with Korea lately - Korea has just enough size and floor defense that can give Japan fits.

[chatchu-off moksri]

This is going to be an extremely emotional match. The history between the two countries and teams, the fact that they are playing a rivalry match on Japan's home court, the playoff qualification at stake, it's definitely a match to look out for. Hard to predict who is going to win this match.

[trojansc]

Jul 29, 2021 11:31:30 GMT -5 basil said:

Japan’s passing was extremely underwhelming against Serbia. Koreas got some good servers, if they can get Japan off the net and then find another way to score in transition other than Kim, they could be in good shape.

They actually set Kim Heejin MORE than KYK. For some reason, KYK from the backrow is just not an option in the Korea offense. It happened a couple times, but, it doesn't seem something like Korea wants to run from design.

But you're right about Korea's servers. I thought that was a huge key to them beating DR. The sets they won, they had a big advantage from the service line.

[trojansc]

Bump. A couple hours from KYK and Korea's chance to solidify their spot in the Quarterfinals. Yuge opportunity for them.

Not sure I'll be awake for it though.

[Resident Bitchy Canadian Fan]

Tied 1-1 for anyone that’s awake

[Resident Bitchy Canadian Fan]

Oh yeah and Koga is playing this game

[heavenkit]

2-1 Korea

Crazy how people predicted both Korea and ROC not making out of prelims only to rank 3rd.

[midnightblue]

Japan a set away from going home?

[huskersrule95]

Jul 31, 2021 7:20:01 GMT -5 midnightblue said:

Japan a set away from going home?

They can still get in if beat Dominican Republic next in 3-4 sets 

[chorion]

Korea takes the match 3-2. Very poor setting decisions by Momii towards the end of the 5th

[heavenkit]

Wow that was a clutch performance by Korea!!

They are thru to the QF

Japan vs DR match is a do or die

[trojansc]

Jul 31, 2021 7:37:33 GMT -5 huskersrule95 said:

Jul 31, 2021 7:20:01 GMT -5 midnightblue said:

Japan a set away from going home?

They can still get in if beat Dominican Republic next in 3-4 sets 

It’s a winner take all. Both DR and Japan are 1-3 so sets don’t matter, winner moves on

[basil]

holy crap I did not see this coming. well done Korea. Insane that they are getting to QFs with this roster.