Overview

• Germany lost 1-3 to Japan in Chiba, dropping the second, third and fourth sets by scores of 20-25, 23-25 and 20-25 after winning the opener
• The defeat marked Germany’s fifth loss in nine matches, leaving them ninth of 18 teams in the Nations League standings
• A pivotal third set slipped away after Germany had led, as Japan’s serving swing shifted momentum decisively
• Veterans Georg Grozer and Tobias Krick have rejoined the squad but are being rested to manage workload ahead of the World Championship
• Germany faces pool matches against Turkey, the USA and Brazil and must secure favourable results to remain in quarterfinal contention