Final four starting to take shape as Japan pull off miracle comeback

The final four teams that will earn tickets to Rio are starting to take shape, but only after a dramatic late twist in the final game of day four that left volleyball players and fans stunned.

Leading 9-3 in the final set against Japan, and on the verge of taking a major step towards qualifying for their first ever Olympics, Thailand somehow managed to throw the match away, picking up two red cards in a pulsating finish to the best game of the tournament so far.

The result could have serious consequences for both teams, with Thailand now needing to win all three of its final games to have a chance of achieving their Olympic dream.

Japan, by contrast, are now in the box seat, despite less than convincing performances at their last two outings.

Wednesday’s early matches, by contrast, were fairly dour affairs.

A sublime setting and serving performance from Laura Dijkema has helped steer The Netherlands to a 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-21) win over the Dominican Republic, who is still chasing its first win of the tournament.

Even a stand out performance from Libero Brenda Castillo was not enough to help the Dominicans over the line, including in a third set when the team from the Caribbean threw away a 16-10 lead.

Korea, minus star player Kim Yeon-Koung, has had a comfortable 3-0 (25-16, 25-11, 25-21) win over Kazakhstan to further consolidate its chances of Olympic qualification.

Yeon-Koung started the match, but coach Lee Jungchul took her out of the match early in the second set to give her some much needed rest.

Kazakhstan also left two of its best players out of the match, with captain Radmila Beresneva and Kristina Anikonova spending the entire game watching on from the players pen.

An incredible all-round …

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