Japan to face France in first VNL finals stint

Japan will face France in its first finals appearance in the men's Volleyball Nations League.

Ryujin Nippon booked a slot in the finals as it swept Slovenia in the semifinals, 25-21, 27-25, 31-29, on Sunday (Philippine time) in Poland.

Yuki ishikawa had 21 points from 19 attacks and two blocks, while Yuji Nishida had 18 points.

Ton?ek Štern had 20 points, while Klemen ?ebulj had 12 points for Slovenia.

Tokyo Olympics champion France, on the other hand, defeated Poland in a five-setter, 22-25, 25-22, 25-23, 20-25, 18-16.

Japan and France will go for the VNL gold on early Monday (Philippine time), while the losing teams in the semis will battle for the bronze medal before the finals.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News