Brazil bury the Dutch dream in Rotterdam

FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Ranking leaders Brazil ended the Netherlands’ dream of advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship on Friday in Rotterdam.

On the verge of securing their own spot in the next round of the tournament, the South Americans claimed an important three-set (25-19, 25-19, 25-20) Pool E victory over the Dutch, which ended the hosts' dream of being among the top eight national teams in the 19th edition of the event.

· Watch all FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2022 matches live on Volleyball TV.

Brazil reached an important milestone at the World Championship in the match against the Dutch, as the South Americans secured their 100th victory in the tournament since their first appearance, back in 1956. They have played 149 matches so far.

Brazil’s strength at the net proved to be the main difference as the South Americans overcame the Dutch by wide margins in both kills (43 to 29) and blocks (17 to eight), making up for the European advantage in aces (six to four) and opponent errors (15 to 11).

“We showed a lot of strength tonight,” said opposite Tainara Santos, who scored eight points (six kills, two blocks). “When we play as a team, we play at our best. Together we manage to overcome the difficult moments and the game just flows. We analysed their game coming into the match and did a great job of making the adjustments that we needed.”

Tokyo Olympic silver medallists Gabriela ‘Gabi’ Guimaraes and Ana Carolina ‘Carol’ da Silva led the way in another Brazilian triumph in Rotterdam. While the team captain and outside hitter topped all scorers with 19 points (18 kills, one ace), the dynamic middle blocker produced a match-high nine blocks to go with six kills in her 15-point performance. The tournament's top blocker, Carol has now 38 points scored in blocks.

“Our team did an amazing job tonight,” Carol commented. “The Dutch are very tall and strong and it’s really difficult to play against them. We prepared really well and I’m proud of my team. The stadium was packed and it was all for the Netherlands, but I feel at home here too.”

Two Dutch players scored in double digits – outside hitter Nika Daalderop, who left the court with 11 points (nine kills, one block, one ace), and middle blocker Juliet Lohuis, who produced ten with six kills, two blocks and two aces.

Earlier on Friday, Japan topped Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-21) and reigning Volleyball Nations League and European champions Italy defeated Argentina also in straight sets (25-19, 25-18, 25-17). With the result, the Italians now have seven wins and 22 points and are the first team in the pool guaranteed a place in the quarterfinals.

The other three spots are contested by Brazil (seven wins, 20 points), Japan (six wins, 18 points), China (six wins, 17 points) and Belgium (five wins, 15 points). The Netherlands (four wins, 13 points), Puerto Rico (two wins, six points) and Argentina (two wins, five points) are all eliminated.

FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship Poland Slovenia 2022: Schedule and results

Saturday will be a critical day in Pool E with two matches involving three of the teams that remain in the hunt for a quarterfinal spot. Italy and China will open the day at 13.30 local time (11.30 GMT) while Brazil and Belgium will face each other later, at 17.00 local time (15.00 GMT). The last three Pool E matches will be played on Sunday.

Quick links:
FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship Netherlands Poland 2022
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