Thailand and USA set for dream duel in Lodz

Thailand are tangled with a lofty opponent in the Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament, facing reigning Olympic champions United States on September 17 at 14:30 local time (12:30 UTC) in Lodz, Poland.

The Thais are not giving up on achieving their dream of playing in their very first Olympic Games. They are hoping that they will be in their top form when they play Team USA in Pool C.

The USA squad is also not taking everyone lightly in their goal to win the qualifier for a chance to defend their Olympic title in Paris. In their 12 previous participations in the quadrennial, they have reached the podium six times, collecting two bronze medals, three silver medals and their very first gold medal which they clinched at Tokyo 2020.

Since winning the world title in 2014, USA have consistently performed at the top level, winning the World Grand Champions Cup and the first three Volleyball Nations League titles, among others. This year, they made it to bronze medal match of the VNL in Anaheim but conceded to Poland.

The team will be led by their opposites Annie Drews and Jordan Thompson, who were also heroes of their Tokyo 2020 campaign. They also have excellent playmakers in Micha Hancock and Jordyn Poulter and outstanding defensive players Justine Wong-Orantes and Haleigh Washington.

Thailand have the Magnificent Se7en skippered by Piyanut Pannoy. The Thai libero will have the support of setter Pornpun Guedpard, hitters Ajcharaporn Kongyot, Pimpichaya Kokram and Chatchu-On Moksri, and middles Thatdao Nuekjang and Hattaya Bamrungsuk. They may have the same set of athletes, but they have proven countless times that they could post an upset against any opponent.

These two sides last met at the VNL in Brasilia, with Team USA beating Thailand in straight sets.

Watch all the matches of Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament on VBTV starting September 16.

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Volleyball Olympic Qualifying Tournament
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