Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Volleyball Women's World Championship match.
Both squads have booked their place in the play-offs, yet pre-match sentiment tilts towards Japan, even though Serbia are the defending world champions. The key question is how much squad availability will affect the outcome.
Japan (women)
Japan progressed to the play-offs with authority, winning their opening matches. First came a routine 3:0 dismantling of Cameroon, then a comeback against Ukraine after dropping the first two sets. The team’s key traits are disciplined defence, quick combinations and a reliable serve reception. The lead attackers are Yukiko Wada and Mayu Ishikawa. Over the last 10 matches, the Japanese have six wins. The head-to-head with Serbia is even, but they won the last two meetings, both in the Volleyball Nations League.
Serbia (women)
Serbia traditionally enter the tournament among the top favourites. In the group they beat Cameroon and Ukraine in straight sets, showing their customary high level: strong blocking, an aggressive serve and a high attacking tempo. The main issue is the injury to Tijana Bošković; without her, the team lose their standout and leading scorer. Even so, the squad retains depth: Mina Popović and Bojana Milenković are capable of carrying a match. They have eight wins in their last 10 fixtures, and defeats to Turkey and Italy are understandable.
Japan (women) vs Serbia (women) Prediction
Japan defend superbly, but even without Tijana Bošković, Serbia are too dangerous to be written off. The balance of power is closer than it might appear. Serbia have enough resources to stay on terms through their blocking and powerful serve. Backing Japan to win outright is risky, while taking the world champions with +12.5 on the points handicap looks optimal.
