In a captivating five-set thriller, volleyball powerhouse Brazil secured the bronze medal at the 2025 FIVB Women`s World Championship in Thailand. Overcoming a tough semifinal defeat to Italy the previous day, the Brazilians displayed remarkable resilience to triumph over Japan on Sunday.
The bronze medal match, held at Bangkok`s Huamark Indoor Stadium, saw an exhilarating contest that concluded with Brazil winning 3-2 (25-12, 25-17, 19-25, 27-29, 18-16). This hard-fought victory marked their triumph over the Asian contenders for the final podium spot.
This hard-won medal is Brazil`s sixth in 18 appearances at the event, a fitting achievement on their country`s Independence Day. Their collection now includes four silvers (1994, 2006, 2010, 2022) and two bronzes (2014, 2025).
Brazilian captain Gabriela ‘Gabi’ Guimarães delivered an extraordinary performance, leading her team with an astonishing 35 points (33 kills, one block, one ace). This followed her impressive 29-point effort against Italy in the semifinals. Supporting her, outside hitter Júlia Bergmann contributed 13 points (12 kills, one block), and opposite Rosamaria Montibeller added 11 points (eight kills, three blocks).
“We deserved it,” Gabi declared. “We couldn`t leave Thailand without a medal. That’s how I felt, and I saw the same determination in my teammates. I’m incredibly proud we managed to refocus for the third-place match. It was challenging to play another tie-breaker after losing one to Italy, but we fought for each other, maintained our composure in tough moments, and proved our mental strength.”
Japan`s Yoshino Sato provided formidable opposition, contributing significantly to her team`s fightback with 34 points (29 kills, three aces, two blocks). Captain Mayu Ishikawa also scored 23 points, all from kills, while opposite Yukiko Wada added 13 points (12 kills, one block).
Brazil’s formidable blocking proved crucial once more, outpacing Japan with 15 blocks to six. Although Japan`s offense generated more kills (75 to Brazil’s 68), their higher error count (26 to 13) ultimately proved detrimental. Both teams recorded five aces during the match.
Meanwhile, European rivals Türkiye and Italy were set to compete in the final later on Sunday at 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT).
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick