Two more round-of-16 matches were contested today at the Arena Stozice with France being taken the distance before advancing.

The points were shared around the French team with Chinenyeze Barthelemy, Ngapeth Earvin and Boyer Stephen all scoring 17 goals.

For Japan Nishida Yuji was the team’s star performer, scoring 31 goals.

France took set one 25-17, before Japan levelled the contest by taking the second set 25-21.

France then regained the lead by winning set three 26-24, with Japan levelling for a second time by claiming the fourth set 25-22.

The decider was the first to 15 points, compared to 25 in the previous games, with one team needing to be two points in front, and it was France who prevailed 18-16.

The day’s other round-of-16 match saw Ukraine, replacements for Russia after they were banned from the competition due to the war in Ukraine, reaching the quarter-final stage at this tournament for the first time in their history by upsetting The Netherlands in straight sets.

An impressive blocking performance saw Ukraine claim an emotional victory in straight sets 25-16, 25-19, 25-18.

Vasyl Tupchii top scored for Ukraine on 14 points, with Ter Horst Thijs top scoring for the Dutch with 11 points.

Ukraine are scheduled to play Slovenia in the quarter-finals on Wednesday (September 7).

Round-of-16 action is due to conclude tomorrow with Serbia up against Argentina and Brazil facing Iran.