Brazil and the Netherlands secured their spots in the next phase of the FIVB Women's U20 World Championship. On Saturday, both teams seized straight-set wins over Rwanda and Argentina, respectively. One day before the end of the play in Pool A, and with two victories to their names, the Brazilian and the Dutch players are already looking forward to the next challenge in the tournament. The final standings in the group, and the first and second positions, will be decided with a direct clash between Brazil and the Netherlands at the Topsportcentrum Rotterdam on Sunday.
Women u20 2021
The Netherlands and Brazil do not allow any surprises and proceed ahead
Both teams claim second victories in Pool A
Published 07:35, 10 Jul 2021
Brazil continued on the winning path after a 3-0 victory over Rwanda. The team from Africa, however, was able to improve their game after yesterday's loss 0-3 to the Netherlands. Inspired in the second set, Rwanda tried to surprise Brazil, taking the lead at 3-0, and keeping it up until the 12th point, when Brazil tied the score. The Selecao then turned things around after a strong performance on the serve by setter Maria Clara (two aces in the decisive moments). In the third set, Brazil took the lead, allowing their opponents to record only two points, and finishing in the match with 39 successful attacks and 11 aces. Carolina Grossi de Souza Santos hammered 18 points for Brazil's win.
"We have to remain focused, and to pay more attention, to not miss any balls like in today's match. I think that tomorrow, against the Netherlands, it will be a great game. Both teams are very good. We are very happy with our win now, but we are focused on the next match. It's going to be hard, but we'll do our best.”, Carolina Grossi de Souza Santos, opposite of Brazil said.
The Netherlands, supported by their loyal fans, were the second team from the pool to secure their place in the next phase of the competition, winning over the team of Argentina. The Dutch worked as a well-oiled machine from the beginning of the match, with Ellese Dambrink on fire. The Argentinian Panthers were close to turning things around in each of the remaining two sets, taking the lead but losing it afterwards. The Netherlands, on the other hand, showed nerves of steel in the decisive moments, and with as many as 11 blocks recorded, grabbed the win. Damrbink was the top scorer with 16 points to her name.
