BELGRADE, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Japan shocked Serbia 25-17, 25-12, 24-26, 25-17 on Friday in the first game of the first week of the FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League in Novi Sad, Serbia.

The guest team started the match with fast offense and strong defense and easily built the lead that led them to their win in first set.

In the second set, Japan were even more convincing, allowing Serbia to score only 12 points.

The home team got back in the third set. And the fourth set was uncertain in the beginning, but the Japanese team manage to separate at 8-7 and gradually build the advantage needed to claim the match.

Japan will face Russia on Saturday, while Serbia will meet France.

The finals of the competition will be played in the United Stated in July.