The Ukrainian volleyball team achieved a remarkable victory in the Nations League, defeating Japan, one of the top teams in the world (4th place in the world ranking).

The match concluded with a score of 3:2.

The Japanese team could have ended up without winning a single set, as Ukraine had a set point in the first game but failed to convert it, leading to the loss of two points.

In the second set, the "blue and yellows" took revenge and claimed a sensational victory. The third set followed a similar pattern, with Ukraine leading in score.

In the next set, the Ukrainian team again started strong, but the Japanese squad managed to equalize midway through the fourth set. The tense battle ultimately ended in Japan's favor.

The decisive tiebreaker turned into a thriller, where Ukraine finally snatched the victory. Notably, Illya Kovalov delivered an outstanding performance in the first three sets but made several mistakes at crucial moments.

Nations League 2025
Group Stage, 7 Matches
June 27

Ukraine – Japan 3:2 (24:26, 25:17, 25:18, 23:25, 15:13)

It is worth mentioning that the Ukrainians had already defeated the USA, triumphed over Cuba in an incredible match, and left no chance for Turkey, but unfortunately lost to Brazil, Iran, and France. This is Ukraine's debut in the Nations League.

The next match for the "blue and yellows" will be held on June 29 against Bulgaria. The full schedule of the Ukrainian games in the tournament can be found HERE.

As part of the preparation for LN-2025, the Ukrainian team participated in the international Silesia Cup-2025 tournament. In the first round, Raul Lozano's team defeated Poland, lost to Germany in the second, and overcame Bulgaria in the third.