Recap
In a captivating day of volleyball at the Women`s World Championship in Bangkok, both Italy and Japan secured their places in the semifinals. Italy delivered a commanding performance, sweeping Poland in a decisive victory, while Japan emerged triumphant from a thrilling five-set battle against the Netherlands.
Japan Triumphs Over Netherlands in Five-Set Thriller
Japan 3 – 2 Netherlands (20-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 15-12)
This quarterfinal clash was a true test of endurance, featuring dramatic swings in momentum. The Netherlands took the lead twice, but a resilient Japanese squad consistently fought back to force a deciding fifth set. Despite holding a three-point lead in the tie-break, the Dutch faltered, allowing Japan to stage a remarkable comeback. Captain Mayu Ishikawa sealed the thrilling 3-2 victory with a powerful match-winning spike.
Japan`s offensive strength proved pivotal, with their attackers scoring a total of 75 points compared to the Netherlands` 61. Opposite Yukiko Wada led the charge with an impressive 27 points, including four aces. Ishikawa herself contributed 25 points, seven of which came in the crucial fifth set, alongside two kill-blocks and an ace. Yoshino Sato added 13 points, all from spikes, while middle blocker Airi Miyabe chipped in 10 points through two aces and a block.
The Netherlands, however, showcased superior blocking, registering 11 blocks to Japan`s 3. Eline Timmerman was a standout with six blocks, two aces, and a strong hitting percentage, contributing 18 points. Elles Dambrink topped the Dutch scoring with 19 attack points, supported by Marrit Jasper (13 points) and Nika Daalderop and Britte Stuut (12 points each).
This marks Japan`s first semifinal appearance since they won bronze on home soil in 2010. Their next opponent will be determined by the upcoming quarterfinal match between the USA and Türkiye.
Italy Dominates Poland with a Clean Sweep
Italy 3 – 0 Poland (25-17, 25-21, 25-18)
Italy`s coach, Julio Velasco, maintained his consistent starting lineup, featuring Orro (setter), Egonu (opposite), Sylla and Nervini (outside hitters), Danesi and Fahr (middle blockers), and De Gennaro (libero). Poland`s starting seven included Wenerska-Stysiak (setter-opposite duo), Gryka and Korneluk (middle), Lukasik and Damaske (wings), and Szczyglowska (libero).
Italy demonstrated early control, combining robust reception, precise attacks, and an impenetrable block. Orro masterfully directed the offense, ensuring key contributions from Egonu, Sylla, Nervini, Fahr, and Danesi. Poland struggled to find a rhythm, with only brief pushes from Damaske, as Italy comfortably claimed the first set 25-17.
The second set began with a more even contest, and Stysiak and Lukasik briefly propelled Poland to a 14-13 lead, prompting a timeout from Velasco. However, Italy quickly regained momentum, fueled by a crucial block from Fahr and a series of Polish errors. A strong collaborative effort from Danesi, Sylla, and Egonu then secured the set 25-21 for Italy.
Italy maintained their dominance throughout the third set. Egonu and Sylla spearheaded the attack, while De Gennaro`s exceptional defensive plays further energized the team. Poland found themselves unable to counter Italy`s relentless pace and fell behind 15-9. A strategic double substitution and a solid performance from Giovannini helped Italy close out the set and the match with a 25-18 victory.
The Italian “Azzurre” team is scheduled to play again on September 6, where they will face the winner of the Brazil–France quarterfinal, slated for September 4.
