Canada is off to a solid start in the 2024 VNL Manila Leg after outlasting Japan in five sets.
The Canadian men’s volleyball team is not new to playing in the Philippines.
In fact, this is Volleyball Canada’s third time in the VNL Manila Leg, dating back to 2022 when it played in the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
Stepping into the court during their first 2024 VNL Manila Leg match, the Canadians had to face crowd-favorites Japan.
And to many’s surprise, the 12th-ranked Canada managed to overcome the 3rd-ranked Japan to snatch an impressive five-set victory—much to the delight of head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo.
“[It’s a] very important victory and guys did an amazing job being patient because that's what you need with Japan, and we attacked well, with consistency, and it's a tough fight with Japan always,” Sammelvuo told One Sports.
But more than the game itself, the 48-year-old Finnish coach also praised the atmosphere they experienced at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, where nearly 6,000 fans watched the intense match between the two nations.
The third edition of the VNL in the Philippines will also act as a precursor to the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, set to be hosted at the Mall of Asia Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum by September next year.
“It's amazing to play here and I know there are [2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's] World Championships here next year. As a volleyball person, it's a pleasure to see this atmosphere in volleyball,” said Sammelvuo.
“I hope we bring the people from the Philippines more and more joy to see volleyball and hopefully more volleyball players [in] the Philippines,” he added.
Canada will look to continue their solid form in Manila as they face Germany on Thursday, June 20 at 11:00 a.m.