Group C became the source of two of the biggest sensations at the U17 Women's World Championship in Santiago, Chile. First, one of the traditional giants, Brazil, was left out of the title fight after a disastrous group stage, and now the winner of the same group – Poland – has also exited the medal contention.
The irony is immense. Brazil and Poland were in the same group but reached the same end by completely opposite paths.
The Brazilians lost their first four matches and were out of contention for the knockout stage even before the last round. Poland did the exact opposite – they won all five of their matches, finished first, and entered the round of 16 as one of the most convincing teams in the championship.
But once the direct eliminations began, that no longer mattered.
Thailand, who finished only fourth in their group, defeated Poland 3:1 (25:19, 25:21, 10:25, 25:23) and knocked the previously undefeated Polish team out of the fight for the world title.
Thus, Group C, where Poland dominated and Brazil experienced one of its toughest tournaments at this age level, produced two of the most unexpected stories of the U17 World Cup.
From first place in the group to the battle for 9th-16th place
The defeat ended Poland's hopes for a medal. The Polish team remains in Chile, but will now play for places 9th to 16th, with their next opponent being Venezuela.
Thailand, meanwhile, advances to the quarterfinals and is now among the top eight teams at the World Championship.
Italy, USA, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, Croatia, China, Turkey, and Republic of Korea continue to compete for medals.
After Poland's elimination, only three teams remain undefeated since the start of the tournament – USA, China, and Republic of Korea.
The Americans eliminated Argentina 3:0 (25:15, 25:23, 25:15). Defending world champions China overcame the Dominican Republic 3:1 (25:18, 17:25, 25:19, 25:17) and also maintained their perfect record.
Republic of Korea is the third team that has not yet tasted defeat. The Koreans defeated the Philippines 3:0 (25:21, 25:18, 25:14).
Japan also fell by the wayside
Another big name ended its participation in the medal fight.
Turkey eliminated Japan with a decisive 3:0 (25:18, 25:7, 25:23). The Turkish team had a huge advantage in blocks – 12:2, and Zeynep Bezircioğlu scored 6 points from this element alone.
Thus, Japan, who won silver medals at the previous U17 World Championship, also remained outside the top 8.
Only Croatia survived from Group C
The development of the round of 16 made the story of Group C even more curious.
From the group that included Poland, Brazil, Japan, Croatia, Argentina, and Spain, only Croatia managed to reach the quarterfinals.
Croatia defeated Czechia 3:0 (25:21, 25:21, 25:19).
Thus, a curious paradox emerged. Poland finished first in Group C and defeated Croatia 3:0 in their direct match, but it was the Croatians who remained the only representative of the group in the battle for the world title.
Brazil was eliminated after the preliminary phase, Poland and Japan ended their participation in the medal battle in the round of 16, and Argentina was also eliminated.
Four quarterfinals determine the semifinalists
After the rest day on Thursday, the World Championship continues on Friday with the quarterfinals.
Italy – USA
Chinese Taipei – Thailand
Croatia – China
Turkey – Republic of Korea
Thailand has already delivered one of the sensations of the championship and will have the opportunity to take another step against Chinese Taipei. Croatia, the only surviving representative of Group C, will face defending world champion China.
photo:volleyballworld.com
