The group stage of the FIVB Volleyball Men's U19 World Championship is entering its decisive phase. After several days of intense matches, the teams will get a well-deserved rest day before the last two matches of this part of the tournament. So far, we have seen high-level volleyball for this age group, serious comebacks, and the establishment of some favorites. Bulgaria continues in excellent form and undefeated, while Pakistan remains the sensation of the tournament.
🟩 Group A: Pakistan dominates, Belgium back in the fight
Results from the last matches in the group:
Pakistan - Turkey 3:0 (25:17, 25:19, 25:19)
Belgium - Argentina 3:2 (24:26, 17:25, 25:21, 25:18, 15:12)
Uzbekistan - Puerto Rico 3:0 (25:18, 25:21, 25:14)
| Rank | Team | Matches | Wins | Points | Set Ratio | Point Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pakistan | 3 | 3 | 9 | MAX | 1.285 |
| 2 | Uzbekistan | 3 | 2 | 6 | 2.000 | 1.139 |
| 3 | Argentina | 3 | 2 | 6 | 1.600 | 1.032 |
| 4 | Belgium | 3 | 2 | 5 | 1.200 | 1.017 |
| 5 | Turkey | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0.222 | 0.852 |
| 6 | Puerto Rico | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.773 |
Pakistan is impeccable with three wins and not a single lost set. Uzbekistan and Argentina are fighting a fierce battle for second place, while Belgium has surged ahead with their dramatic victory over the 'Gauchos'.
Group B: Bulgaria uncompromising, France and China in a fierce battle
Results from the last matches in the group:
Bulgaria – Japan 3:1 (25:23, 27:25, 20:25, 25:16)
China – France 3:2 (25:37, 22:25, 25:20, 25:20, 12:15)
Algeria – Canada 3:1 (19:25, 28:26, 30:28, 25:21)
| Rank | Team | Matches | Wins | Points | Set Ratio | Point Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bulgaria | 3 | 3 | 9 | 2.666 | 1.149 |
| 2 | France | 3 | 2 | 6 | 1.400 | 1.074 |
| 3 | China | 3 | 2 | 6 | 1.333 | 1.042 |
| 4 | Japan | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0.750 | 0.970 |
| 5 | Algeria | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0.750 | 0.988 |
| 6 | Canada | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.333 | 0.792 |
Our boys show mature and confident play. China defeated France in a true five-set drama, and Algeria recorded its first win. The last two rounds will be crucial for clarifying the standings. Bulgaria is in a strong position, but key matches against Canada and France are ahead, which will determine its final ranking.
Group C: Spain delivers a surprise, Italy and Iran on stable ground
Results from the last matches in the group:
Spain R Poland 3:1 (25:19, 25:17, 20:25, 25:22)
Italy R Egypt 3:0 (25:19, 25:19, 25:18)
Iran R Tunisia 3:0 (25:20, 25:15, 25:20)
| Rank | Team | Matches | Wins | Points | Set Ratio | Point Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 3 | 3 | 8 | 2.250 | 1.103 |
| 2 | Italy | 3 | 2 | 7 | 2.666 | 1.278 |
| 3 | Iran | 3 | 2 | 6 | 1.600 | 1.069 |
| 4 | Poland | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0.750 | 0.943 |
| 5 | Egypt | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0.666 | 0.897 |
| 6 | Tunisia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 | 0.738 |
Spain surprised Poland with a 3:1 victory and topped the standings. Italy and Iran win convincingly, but the points are close. Everything will be decided in the last rounds.
Group D: Korea and Finland without a lost set, USA is fighting
Results from the last matches in the group:
Korea - Brazil 3:0 (25:16, 25:21, 25:22)
Finland - Cuba 3:0 (25:23, 25:20, 25:15)
USA - Colombia 3:2 (25:19, 19:25, 25:18, 30:32, 15:9)
| Rank | Team | Matches | Wins | Points | Set Ratio | Point Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Korea | 3 | 3 | 9 | MAX | 1.264 |
| 2 | Finland | 3 | 3 | 9 | 9.000 | 1.192 |
| 3 | USA | 3 | 2 | 5 | 1.166 | 1.050 |
| 4 | Brazil | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0.500 | 0.965 |
| 5 | Colombia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0.222 | 0.810 |
| 6 | Cuba | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0.111 | 0.822 |
Korea and Finland demonstrate impeccable play and are favorites for direct qualification. The USA barely escaped a five-set thriller with Colombia and remains in the battle for the Top 3.
🏁 What's next?
After the rest day, the last two matches of the group stage await us. They will be crucial for shaping the round of 16, where every set and every point will matter. Bulgaria is in an excellent position, but the competition never sleeps.
