Lausanne, Switzerland, July 3, 2017 - Japan meet Thailand for the first time since the qualifiers for the 2016 Olympic Games when they come head-to-head Friday in Apeldoorn. It's the 11th time the two teams meet in the history of the FIVB World Grand Prix, with Japan leading the series 10-2, including wins in the last five matches. Thailand haven't beaten Japan in the World Grand Prix since 2012.
Head-to-Head• Japan have won eight of their previous 10 World Grand Prix meetings with Thailand, including each of their last five.
• Thailand's two victories both came in five sets - in 2009 and 2012.
• Thailand beat Japan in the final of the 2013 Asian Championship without losing a single set.
Japan• Japan are one of two teams ever present in the World Grand Prix, alongside China. They will both enter their 25th edition of the competition.
• Japan have yet to win the competition and have claimed only one podium, a second place in 2014.
• Japan have won only one of their last 10 five-setters in the competition, the 3-2 win against Korea Republic in 2014.
Thailand• Since their debut in 2002, Thailand have only missed out on the 2007 edition of the World Grand Prix. They will now enter the competition for the 15th time.
• Thailand's best result in the competition is a fourth place in 2012.
• Thailand have won nine of their last 12 five-setters in the World Grand Prix, including two against Japan.
• Thailand (99 defeats thus far) could become the fifth team to lose 100 matches in the World Grand Prix.