The Japan women's volleyball team defeated Germany in a spirited five-set match at Yoyogi National Gymnasium on Thursday. The hosts won the FIVB Women's World Cup fourth-round match 25-20, 25-23, 27-25, 25-17, 15-12.

Yukiko Ebata led Japan with 25 spike points and Saori Kimura had 22.

"Today's match was one we couldn't lose; a very important one," Ebata told reporters. "We did well today and I think we have to win tomorrow against the United States. We'll do our best against them."