Following a string of defeats, Brazil regained its momentum with a triumphant win over Thailand, the hosts, in Bangkok, concluding the Volleyball Nations League 2023 Preliminary Phase. This outcome shapes the forthcoming quarterfinal battles, to be held in Arlington, USA, in the Finals from July 12-19.
Despite the previous setbacks, Brazil climbed to the fourth position in the standings thanks to their sweeping 3-0 victory against Thailand at the Hua Mark Indoor Stadium. This win has set them on a collision course with fifth-placed China for the quarterfinals in two weeks.
The remaining quarterfinals of the VNL 2023, scheduled for either July 12 or 13, will feature top-seeded Poland versus eighth-seeded Germany, hosts and second-seeded USA against seventh-seeded Japan, and third-seeded Türkiye going head-to-head with the defending champions and sixth-seeded Italy.
Italy too, wrapped up the Preliminary Phase on a winning note, overcoming Japan 3-1, thereby sealing the fate of both teams in the upcoming quarterfinals. The game was the second of the day in Bangkok.
The Italian victory was led by Sylvia Nwakalor and Loveth Omoruyi, who contributed 23 and 18 points respectively. On the Japanese side, Airi Miyabe exited the court with 16 points, while Miyu Nagaoka added 15 to the tally.
Earlier in the day, Turkey achieved a clean sweep against Croatia with a 3-0 victory in the final Pool 6 game in Bangkok. This defeat led to the relegation of Croatia to the Volleyball Challenger Cup 2023, being the lowest-ranked challenger team.
