In Pool E, Brazil – needing to beat Canada to stay alive in the competition – did just that in straight sets 3-0 (25-18, 30-28, 25-20) to win the group ahead of Russia. Italy collected their second win from as many matches to top Pool D after beating Argentina 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-17, 25-22). Bulgaria finished second to set up a semifinal against Brazil.
Italy will play Russia at 16:30 (Local Time) while Brazil take on Bulgaria at 20:00 (LT) in Saturday’s semifinals.
Canada were confirmed in fifth, their best ever result in the World League, having two points following Thursday’s win over Russia while winless Argentina ended in sixth spot, a repeat of their result in 1999 when the World League Finals were also in Mar del Plata.
To read more information from this competition click on World League 2013.