Italy Come back from a Set Down to Beat Belgium in U19 Highlight

On the second day of the FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Championship in Croatia and Serbia, Italy delivered a standout performance in Pool D. Facing Belgium, the Italian team overcame losing the first set to win the next three decisively. This victory marked a significant upset against last year`s CEV U18 European Championship runners-up. Elsewhere, all three matches contested in Pool A in Osijek also went the full four sets.

Pool A

Despite their injured captain Leana Grozer being sidelined, Germany secured their first win at the World Championship by defeating Egypt 3-1 (22-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-21). Leilani Slacanin stepped up as a key scorer with 15 points, matched by Henriette Kranz. Egypt`s Gena Mohamed scored 13 points, but her team is still searching for their first victory in Osijek.

Co-hosts Croatia continued their winning streak, earning their second consecutive victory in Pool A by beating Mexico 3-1 (25-17, 23-25, 25-22, 25-19). Opposite Asja Zolota was crucial again, leading all scorers with 23 points. For Mexico, Naomi Alejandra Cruz Toledo registered 15 points, bringing their win-loss record to 1-1.

Thailand fought hard to claim their first tournament win, coming from behind to defeat Canada 3-1 (22-25, 25-12, 25-17, 25-22). Captain Supawadee Panwilai powered Thailand`s offense with a game-high 23 points, contributing significantly to their superior attack game. Sofia Zabjek was Canada`s top performer with 14 points.

Pool B

In Vrnjacka Banja, Chinese Taipei achieved the day`s first win in Pool B, sweeping Argentina 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-20). This result improved Chinese Taipei`s record to 2-0. Chen Pin-Yu led their scoring with 13 points. Julieta Arianne Ruelli topped Argentina`s chart with 12 points in their initial loss of the tournament.

Following an opening-day loss, co-hosts Serbia rebounded with their first victory, defeating Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-20). Dominican Republic remains without a win. Serbia`s Anja Miovcic was the top scorer with 12 points, including blocks and aces. Estel Santos Mateo led Dominican Republic with 8 points.

Brazil maintained their flawless record in Vrnjacka Banja with another straight-sets win, defeating Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-20). Middle blocker Lara Gabriele Rodrigues Almeida was Brazil`s top scorer with 13 points. Kalia Isabel Alvarado led Puerto Rico with 11 points in their continued search for a win.

Pool C

Poland`s impressive World Championship debut continued in Pool C in Osijek with a 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-18) win over Turkey, adding to their upset against European champions Bulgaria. Liliana Wojcik was instrumental with 15 points. Minel Nefin Ozen led Turkey with 9 points, marking their first setback.

Bulgaria recovered from their first loss with a hard-fought 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-21) victory over Spain. Nicol Okoro made a strong impact, scoring 17 points for Bulgaria`s first win. Spain`s captain Ines Losada Gordaliza led her team with 15 attack points.

Defending champions USA continued their strong performance from day one, sweeping Peru 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-18). USA`s dominance was evident in blocking and attack. Henley Anderson led USA with 14 points. Waleska Toro Zoltanski was the top scorer for Peru with 12 points. USA now shares the top spot in Pool C with Poland, both on 6 points.

Pool D

In Pool D in Trstenik, African champions Tunisia showed resilience against Japan despite an injury to their setter. However, Japan proved stronger, securing a 3-0 (28-26, 25-19, 25-18) victory. The match`s top scorer was Japan`s 16-year-old Rion Chuganji with an outstanding 26 points. Tunisia`s captain Sinda Ben Hamida led her team with 18 points. Japan remains undefeated, while Tunisia is still seeking their first set win.

The featured match saw Italy defeat Belgium 3-1 (17-25, 25-12, 25-21, 25-14). After dropping the first set, Italy found their rhythm. Caterina Peroni spearheaded the Italian comeback with 18 points. For Belgium, 16-year-old Flore Maes scored 12 points. Italy`s victory marked their second win of the tournament.