The stage is set for an electrifying semifinal encounter at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women`s World Championship in Thailand this Saturday, as volleyball powerhouses Brazil and Italy prepare to go head-to-head. Brazil earned their coveted spot in this clash after a grueling quarterfinal match on Thursday in Bangkok, where they faced a fiercely competitive and tenacious French squad.
The quarterfinal opener against France was a spectacle of drama and resilience. The first two sets were pushed into extended play, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. In the initial set, France impressively clawed back a four-point deficit against Brazil, then saved two set points before eventually succumbing on the third. The second set mirrored this intensity, with the Europeans initially gaining a four-point lead. Brazil mounted a strong comeback, securing a two-point advantage to reach set point. However, France rallied, scoring three consecutive points to seize the initiative. Despite gaining five opportunities to close the set, they failed to convert, allowing Brazil to ultimately prevail in a marathon 33-31 finish. The third set remained tightly contested up to 11-11, after which the South Americans asserted their dominance, pulling away decisively. Outside hitter Julia Bergmann delivered the final blow, sealing a commanding 3-0 (27-25, 33-31, 25-19) victory for Brazil.
Brazil`s Collective Strength Shines Through
Brazilian setter Roberta Ratzke orchestrated a masterful offensive display, ensuring that all five of her primary attackers reached double-digit scores. Bergmann spearheaded the attack with an impressive 17 points, all from swings. Captain and outside hitter Gabriela Guimaraes (Gabi) contributed 13 points, including an ace. Opposite Rosamaria Montibeller was highly effective, adding 12 spike kills with an outstanding 63% success rate. Middle blockers Diana Alecrim (80% attack success, 1 ace) and 22-year-old Julia Kudiess (64% success) each tallied 10 points. Together, they accounted for all eight of Brazil`s kill blocks, with Alecrim contributing five and Kudiess three.
“First of all, congratulations to France! They are doing an amazing job. In such a little time they became such an amazing team. They fight all the time and you can see the joy, when they play,” Bergmann shared with VBTV. “But I am so happy we won. We deserve this. We fought for every ball. Compared to the beginning of the VNL, we got so much better. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come, how far we can still go, so I’m very, very proud of my team.”
France`s Valiant Effort in Quarterfinals
For France, charismatic outside hitter and captain Helena Cazaute once again led her team with an exceptional performance, delivering a match-high 20 points. Her impressive tally included one ace and one kill block, solidifying her position as the World Championship`s leading scorer, currently 10 points clear of her nearest competitor. Opposite Iman Ndiaye added another 15 points, all from spikes, while outside hitter Amelie Rotar chipped in with 10 points, including a block.
“It is definitely tough to lose, when you look at how we played at this tournament. It feels really bad now, but I think we can be proud of what we did at this World Championship,” Ndiaye commented. “Seeing how far this group has come, I am happy that we ended up where we are now. Obviously, Brazil is a very strong team and it was a game where we wanted to leave everything on the court.”
Looking ahead, the final quarterfinal match in Bangkok will see USA take on Turkiye later on Thursday.
World Championship Schedule Overview
The full schedule and results for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship are available for fans to review.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood