In the quarter-final clash in Bangkok, the Brazilian national team defeated France 3:0 (27-25, 33-31, 25-19) and qualified for the semi-finals.
The first two sets were marked by exceptional dynamism and equality. In the second set, the French women had several opportunities to close the set, but a lack of experience and small mistakes in decisive moments proved fatal. The Brazilians showed their class and composure to turn the tide.
In the third set, "Seleção" stepped up their game early on and, after building a solid lead, left no chance for their opponent. The French women lost concentration, and Cazaux and company also showed signs of fatigue.
Match statistics
| Team | Attack | Block | Serve | Opponent's errors | Total points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 53 | 8 | 2 | 20 | 83 |
| France | 50 | 6 | 2 | 17 | 75 |
The difference in attack was minimal (53 against 50), which shows that France held up well in long rallies. But the Brazilians won important points through blocks and fewer errors, and that decided the final outcome.
| Team | Digs | Reception | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | 62 | 65 | 108 |
| France | 74 | 72 | 122 |
France had an advantage in defense and reception. Nevertheless, the higher quality in attack and the tactical decisions of the Brazilians proved more important.
| Player | Points |
|---|---|
| Bergman (Brazil) | 17 |
| Gabi (Brazil) | 13 |
| Cazaute (France) | 20 |
| Ndiaye (France) | 15 |
France's captain – Helena Cazaute – was the top scorer with 20 points, but her efforts were not enough against Brazil's well-balanced attack. There, Bergman and Gabi combined for 30 points and led the game with more collectivity and consistency.
In the semifinals, Brazil will face the Olympic champions from Italy, who recorded their 34th consecutive victory by eliminating Poland in the quarterfinals. The match promises to be a clash between two of the strongest teams in women's volleyball at the moment.
photo:volleyballworld.com
