The FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship witnessed thrilling action in the quarterfinals, all four of which were decided in straight sets. The United States shocked Bulgaria, while Korea pulled off a stunning upset over European champions Italy. The Americans and Koreans will move on to face France and Iran, respectively, in the semifinals.
Bulgaria, considered one of the heavy favorites, struggled to bounce back from a grueling five-set battle with Brazil and fell to a determined American team 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 28-26). USA’s Sean Kelly and Bulgaria’s Kristian Titriyski led the scoring, each with 19 points. In the semifinals, the United States will take on France, who powered past Egypt with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-11, 25-17) victory.
In Argentina, the quarterfinal clash saw Korea pull off a stunning sweep against Italy, winning 3-0 (27-25, 25-16, 28-26). Italy’s Lorenzo Magliano scored the most in the match with 19 points, but it was Lee Woojin’s 18 points that carried Korea to victory. They’ll face Iran in the next round, who dominated Belgium in a straight-set win 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-12).
In the matches determining places fifth to eighth, Bulgaria will go up against Egypt, while Belgium will challenge Italy.
