Lausanne, Switzerland, May 31, 2017 - In only their second meeting in the history of the FIVB World League, Japan are hoping to get revenge for last year's four-set defeat to Slovakia.
Head-to-Head• These nations are set to meet for the second time in the World League. Last year, Slovakia claimed a 3-1 victory over Japan in Group B.
• Slovakia and Japan have never clashed in any other major competition.
Slovakia• Slovakia are making their fourth World League appearance since finishing 24th on their debut in 2014.
• For now, they have been improving on their performance from the previous year, finishing 23rd in 2015 and 21st last year.
• Seven of Slovakia's nine World League wins came in June.
Japan• Japan will make their 24th World League participation. Since 2001, they have appeared in every season except for 2010.
• Japan's best finish in the competition is sixth place, which they achieved on three previous occasions, in 1990, 1993 and 2008.
• Japan are hoping to rebound from a 24th place finish from last season, their lowest so far in the competition.