The 2023 FIVB Girls’ U19 Volleyball World Championship is heating up, with only eight teams now left in the race for the title. Monday’s intense Round of 16 matches, held in Osijek, Croatia and Szeged, Hungary, have culminated in Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Japan, Thailand, Türkiye, and the United States securing their spots in the forthcoming quarterfinals set for Wednesday in Osijek.
Highlights from the Round of 16:
- Host nation, Croatia, edged out Poland in a nail-biting 3-2 match in Osijek. The Croatians, buoyed by Aurora Papac and Tonka Bošnjak’s 16-point performances, will next go head-to-head with Italy, who cruised past Egypt with a straightforward 3-0 win.
- Türkiye experienced a closely-fought victory over Korea, triumphing 3-2. Liza Safronova shone for the Turks with a whopping 26 points. They’re set to face Bulgaria in the next round, who secured their place after defeating hosts Hungary in a solid 3-0 match.
- The United States continued their stellar performance, brushing off the Dominican Republic with a clean 3-0 sweep. They will face a formidable opponent in Brazil, who bested Argentina 3-1.
- In what’s been described as the biggest upset of the round, Thailand shocked many by beating China in a 3-2 encounter. Their next challenge will be against Japan, who effortlessly clinched a 3-0 victory over Puerto Rico.
The quarterfinal matchups are set, and the atmosphere is electric as these eight teams vie for the prestigious U19 Volleyball World Championship title. Stay tuned for what promises to be thrilling showdowns in Osijek.