Japan crashed out of the men's volleyball World Championships on Saturday with a loss to three-time defending champion Italy, failing to reach the quarterfinals of the world meet for the fifth straight time.
Japan lost 25-18, 25-20, 26-28, 25-16 for its second defeat in as many games in the second-round of Group G, in which Italy and host Argentina booked their places in the last eight by eliminating winless Japan and Bulgaria.
Russia and Portugal also advanced to the quarterfinals. The Japanese men will play Bulgaria on Sunday, with a victory giving them ninth place in the final standings.
In other action, the United States lost an overtime match to Greece on Saturday night, putting the Americans in danger of failing to advance to the quarterfinals.
Greece beat the U.S. 20-25, 25-5, 25-20, 15-25, 17-15, dropping the Americans to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Group K play.
The U.S. needs a win Sunday against Olympic champion Yugoslavia to advance to the quarterfinals. Greece, also 1-1 in Group K, will face winless China.