The race for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s U21 World Championship crown is down to four as Japan, Brazil, Italy, and Bulgaria booked their spots in the semifinals after an action-packed quarterfinal Friday.
Japan remain the only unbeaten side, sweeping Türkiye 3-0 (25-23, 25-21, 25-20). Balanced and composed, Sae Omori and Koyumi Fukumura struck for 11 points each, while Miina Inoue and Anna Uemura chipped in 10 apiece. Türkiye, led by Defne Bascoylu’s 12 points, pushed hard but couldn’t crack Japan’s precision attack.
Brazil ended Argentina’s dream run in ruthless fashion, taking their South American clash 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-14). Aline Segato Maestri scored 13, Rebeca Borges Viana added 12, and the Brazilian block suffocated Argentina’s offense.
Italy gained revenge for their 2023 final loss by knocking out defending champions China in straight sets (25-23, 25-19, 25-15). Merit Adigwe led with 16 points, while Nicole Piomboni and Teresa Maria Boss added 13 each as Italy controlled the match from start to finish.
Bulgaria pulled off the day’s shocker, ousting Poland 3-1 (25-23, 22-25, 25-23, 25-18). Iva Dudova was unstoppable, racking up 33 points to lead her side into the semis.
Saturday’s showdowns are set: Brazil vs. Italy at 13:00 local time (06:00 GMT), followed by unbeaten Japan against upset specialists Bulgaria at 16:00 (09:00 GMT).
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