Aussies lose to Japan in volleyball worlds

The Australian men's volleyball team has slumped to its second-straight FIVB World League loss after going down to Japan in Slovakia.

An unfavourable 31-15 error count cost Australia in the 25-18 17-25 25-21 25-22 group-stage loss on Sunday.

"We were playing very well, but then at times we let them play better," said Australian captain Paul Carroll, who top-scored with 24 points.

"They had great ball control and we didn't put them under enough pressure."

The result follows a five-set win over Portugal to open the tournament before losing to host nation Slovakia in four sets.

The Volleyroos will now head to the World League leg in Finland where they'll meet China, Slovakia and Finland this week.

Australia are guaranteed a place in the group two semi-finals on the Gold Coast next month as the host nation.