Sixteen teams participated in Phase 2 of the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship in the Netherlands and Poland, with eight places up for grabs in the first elimination round of the tournament. The quarterfinals will take place on Tuesday, October 11, before the semis and matches for gold, silver and bronze are played from Wednesday to Saturday, October 12 to 15.

Here is a look at some of the images from the second phase of the competition, ahead of tomorrow's exciting quarterfinals.

Koga

Captain Sarina Koga returns to action for her team as Japan defeat Belgium 3-1 in the first match in Phase 2.

Gabi

Gabriela 'Gabi' Guimaraes scores 30 points to lead Brazil to victory as Italy lose their first match in the competition, despite Paola Egonu's 37 points.

Sylla

Miryam Sylla dives to keep the ball in play as Italy claim a four set win against Japan.

Stysiak

Top scorer Magdalena Stysiak celebrates as co-hosts Poland defeat reigning Olympic champions USA 3-0 in the last match on Wednesday.

Li

Li Yingying scores 23 points as China defeat the Netherlands in five sets to strengthen their position in Pool E.

USA

USA and Türkiye face to face as anthems are played.

pol

Co-hosts Poland and Canada minutes ahead of their encounter in Lodz.

Paola

Paola Egonu scores 27 points to help Italy defeat China and hold on to top place in Pool E.

Bosko169

In Pool F, Tijana Boskovic (18) leads Serbia to their ninth victory in the competition, against Türkiye, to remain the only undefeated team ahead of the quarterfinals.

Poland169

Poland show determination to defeat Germany on Saturday.

pur

Puerto Rico libero Shara Venegas keeps the ball in play as Puerto Rico close Phase 2 of the World Championship with a victory against Argentina.