The penultimate day of the second week of the Women's Volleyball Nations League offered everything that fans of the game love – big surprises, dramatic comebacks, and significant shifts in the provisional standings. Undefeated Japan lost to the Dominican Republic, Olympic champion Italy was decisively outplayed by the USA, and Thailand continued its rise with a new success against Canada. Only Brazil and Poland avoided surprises and solidified their top positions. One day before the end of the second tournament, only the Brazilians remain undefeated in the competition.

USA – Italy 3:0(27:25,25:20,25:16)

The USA inflicted only a second defeat on Olympic champion Italy and did so decisively. The Americans won 3:0(27:25,25:20,25:16) in Pasig City and demonstrated their strongest performance since the start of the tournament.
The first set proved crucial, in which the Italians missed a set point at 24:23. After the dramatic comeback to 27:25, the initiative completely shifted to the USA. In the next two sets, the Americans dominated both in blocking and in attack.
Samedy and Kubik-Banks scored 11 points each for the winners, while Adigwe finished with 12 for Italy. With this success, the USA climbed to second place in the provisional standings, while "Squadra Azzurra" dropped to fifth position.

Poland – Netherlands 3:1(25:17,25:17,14:25,25:23)

Poland continued its impressive performance and recorded its sixth victory in the tournament after a 3:1(25:17,25:17,14:25,25:23) win over the Netherlands.
Stefano Lavarini's trainees were convincing in the first two sets and seemed close to a clean sweep. However, the Dutch reacted excellently in the third part and crushed their opponent 25:14.
The fourth set offered serious intrigue, but in decisive moments, the Polish players showed stronger nerves. Julita Piasecka was outstanding with 20 points, and Magdalena Stysiak added 13.
With this success, Poland accumulated 16 points and drew level with Japan, remaining among the main contenders for the top spots.

Dominican Republic – Japan 3:1(17:25,25:20,28:26,25:23)

The biggest sensation of the day came in the Philippines, where the Dominican Republic defeated previously undefeated Japan with a 3:1(17:25,25:20,28:26,25:23) score.
After losing the first set, the Caribbean team gradually asserted its physical superiority. The third part was particularly dramatic, in which the Dominicans snatched a 28:26 win and psychologically turned the tide of the match.
Heredia scored 17 points, and Martinez added 14 for the winners. For Japan, Wada also finished with 17 points.
The victory allowed the Dominican Republic to leave the last place in the provisional standings, while Japan lost the opportunity to remain alone at the top.

Brazil – China 3:1(26:24,25:18,19:25,25:15)

Brazil continues flawlessly in the VNL. The South Americans recorded their seventh consecutive victory after a 3:1(26:24,25:18,19:25,25:15) win over China.
The first set was extremely even and ended with a dramatic 26:24 for the Brazilians. After that, they took control of the match and dominated the second set.
China managed to get back into the match with a success in the third part, but the Asian players' strength was not enough for more. In the fourth set, Brazil was decisive and closed out the match with 25:15.
Bergman finished with 20 points, and Rosamaria added 17. With 7 wins and 19 points, Brazil remains the sole leader and the only undefeated team in the tournament.

Thailand Canada 3:1(25:21,22:25,25:18,25:20)

Thailand continued to impress in front of their home crowd in Bangkok and recorded a second consecutive victory after a 3:1(25:21,22:25,25:18,25:20) win against Canada.
After an even start, the hosts showed much greater aggression in defense and counter-attack. Particularly impressive were the 90 saved balls in defense against 73 for the Canadians.
Sasipaporn scored 22 points, and Achraporn added another 16. For Canada, Van Ryk also finished with 22 points.
Thailand now has two victories and has taken a huge step towards retaining its place in the Nations League.

Turkey Germany 3:2(18:25,24:26,25:19,25:22,15:13)

The most dramatic match of the day took place in Ankara, where Turkey made an impressive comeback from 0:2 to 3:2(18:25,24:26,25:19,25:22,15:13) against Germany.
The Germans were very close to victory after taking a two-set lead and even turning around the second set after trailing 22:24. However, the hosts then found their rhythm.
Melissa Vargas was once again the leader of the Turkish team and finished with an impressive 32 points. Ilkin Aydin added 15, and Jack-Kysal 12.
In the tie-break, Germany led 5:2, but the Turks managed to turn the tide and achieve an important success that propelled them into the top 6.

Provisional standings after the penultimate day

Brazil is the only undefeated team and holds its fate entirely in its own hands. The battle for places from second to fifth remains extremely contested between USA, Japan, Poland and Italy. At the bottom, Bulgaria's position is becoming increasingly difficult after the Dominican Republic recorded its first win and reduced the pressure on itself.

Program for the last day of the second VNL tournament (June 21)

(times are in Bulgarian time)

Ankara, Turkey

• Belgium - France -12:30 PM

• Germany – Brazil –4:00 PM

• Turkey – China –7:30 PM

Pasig City, Philippines

• Serbia – USA –7:00 AM

• Czech Republic – Dominican Republic –11:00 AM

• Japan – Italy –3:00 PM

Bangkok, Thailand

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• Canada – Poland –1:00 PM

• Thailand – Netherlands –4:30 PM