Recovering from a challenging semifinal defeat to Italy on Saturday, Brazil`s women`s volleyball team secured third place at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women`s World Championship in Thailand by overcoming Japan on Sunday.
The final day of competition at Bangkok`s Huamark Indoor Stadium began with an exhilarating five-set contest between Brazil and Japan. Ultimately, the South American squad emerged victorious with a 3-2 (25-12, 25-17, 19-25, 27-29, 18-16) scoreline, claiming the bronze medal.
Later that Sunday, European rivals Türkiye and Italy were scheduled to compete in the championship final.
This hard-earned victory over Japan marked Brazil`s sixth medal in 18 World Championship appearances, coincidentally on their Independence Day. Their impressive tally now includes four silver medals (1994, 2006, 2010, 2022) and two bronze medals (2014, 2025).
Brazilian captain Gabriela `Gabi` Guimarães, who scored 29 points in the semifinal against Italy, delivered an even more remarkable performance against Japan. She led her team with an astounding 35 points (33 kills, one block, one ace). Fellow outside hitter Júlia Bergmann contributed 13 points (12 kills, one block), and opposite Rosamaria Montibeller added 11 points (eight kills, three blocks).
“We deserved this,” Gabi stated after the match. “We simply couldn`t leave Thailand without securing a medal. That conviction powered me throughout the game, and I saw the same determination in my teammates. I`m incredibly proud of how we refocused for the bronze medal match. It was challenging to face another tie-breaker after our loss to Italy yesterday, but we rallied, supported each other, maintained our performance during critical moments, and ultimately demonstrated our mental fortitude.”
Gabi`s exceptional play was met by strong opposition from Japanese outside hitter Yoshino Sato, who was instrumental in her team`s efforts with 34 points (29 kills, three aces, two blocks). Captain Mayu Ishikawa added 23 points, all from kills, while opposite Yukiko Wada contributed 13 points (12 kills, one block).
Brazil`s formidable blocking proved crucial once more, outpacing Japan 15-6 in that aspect. Although Japan`s offense recorded more kills (75 to Brazil`s 68), they struggled to overcome their high error count, conceding 26 points compared to Brazil`s 13. Both teams served five aces during the contest.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood