The intensity at the 2025 FIVB Girls’ U19 Volleyball World Championship in Osijek, Croatia, reached a peak as the quarterfinal matches concluded, setting the stage for a thrilling semifinal round. Four teams have navigated the demanding bracket to earn their shot at a place in the final. The defending champions, USA, will face the challenge of the unbeaten Polish squad, while Türkiye, the 2023 silver medalists, are set for a compelling duel with the determined team from Bulgaria.
Quarterfinal Recap: The Path to the Final Four
Türkiye Overcomes China in Resilient Performance
Türkiye secured their position as the first semifinalist by defeating China 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-19, 25-09). While unforced errors proved costly for China (23 compared to Türkiye’s 16), the Turkish side exhibited clear dominance in offensive and defensive actions at the net. They recorded 57 spike kills to China’s 45 and registered 11 block kills against China’s 5. This performance, particularly decisive in the later sets, underscored their mettle after a tough group stage.
Outside hitter Ceren Hasdemir was a key figure for Türkiye, delivering a game-high 18 points (17 spikes, 1 block). She was well supported by opposite Aylin Uysalcan (15 points) and middle blockers Ezel Balık (15 points) and Begum Kacmaz (12 points). China’s scoring was led by middle blocker Zhongnan Guo and outside hitter Yexuan Cao, each contributing 12 points.
Begum Kacmaz commented on the victory and team mindset: “I’m so proud of my team because we have performed well against a good opponent. China played well especially in the middle where they are so fast. We had prepared for that and reacted well to finish the job in the third and fourth set. We faced some tough teams like USA and Bulgaria in the group and that has really helped improve the mental aspect of the team. We want to finish in the medal bracket now that we are in the semifinals.”
Poland`s Dominant Blocking Silences Japan
Poland maintained their perfect record in the championship by sweeping Japan 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 27-25). Their superior blocking was a decisive factor, with an impressive 19 block kills to Japan`s 7. It appears the Polish squad brought their own impenetrable wall to Osijek.
Middle blockers Maja Koput and Maria Kaczmarzyk were instrumental in defense, contributing 7 and 4 blocks respectively. Koput also added 3 spike kills to reach 10 points. Opposite Alicja Koprowska was Poland`s top scorer, adding 4 blocks to her 9 spike kills. Outside hitter Liliana Wojcik also tallied 12 points, all from attack. Japan’s top performer was outside hitter Yuzuki Baba, who led the game’s scoring with 17 points.
Poland coach Marcin Orlik praised his team`s execution and unity: “We knew Japan would play a very fast game so we worked on blocking in training. I’m happy that it worked and also the girls showed character in the third set to finish the job. I think that we are unstoppable, the key to success is the environment we have created in this team. We don’t have big names, it’s a collective effort from everyone.” Unstoppable? The defending champions in the next round will certainly test that claim.
Bulgaria Knocks Out Previously Unbeaten Brazil
In a notable quarterfinal result, Bulgaria ended Brazil’s perfect run and their title aspirations with a 3-1 victory (25-15, 21-25, 25-18, 25-20). Bulgaria showcased superior attacking power (50 spike kills to 33) and effective serving (8 aces to 1), proving too formidable for the South Americans.
Star outside hitter Kalina Veneva delivered a game-high 23 points (20 spikes, 2 blocks, 1 ace), leading the Bulgarian offense. Middle blockers Denitsa Angelova (15 points) and Darina Naneva (13 points) also made significant contributions. The team successfully integrated Alexandra Kitipova as an effective replacement opposite following an injury to Nicol Okoro.
Bulgaria coach Atanas Petrov highlighted his team`s fighting spirit: “I’m very happy with how my players responded after losing the second set. It’s one quality of this team, that they will always fight when faced with difficult situations. Once again, Kalina showed that she is an important player in this team and that’s why her teammates trust her a lot. I’m also happy with Alexandra Kitipova, we brought her as a replacement for our opposite Nicol Okoro who is injured and she did well.”
Meanwhile, defending champions USA also secured their spot in the semifinals and are set for a highly anticipated matchup against the undefeated Polish team.
Looking Ahead: Semifinal Matchups
Saturday’s semifinals at the Gradski Vrt Hall in Osijek are scheduled as follows:
- Türkiye vs. Bulgaria
- USA vs. Poland
While the focus sharpens on the battle for the medals, the tournament structure ensures that the competition continues across the board, with playoff matches taking place to determine the final rankings for all 24 participating teams.
Volleyball enthusiasts worldwide can look forward to a day of high-stakes competition as these four elite teams vie for the ultimate prize: a spot in the 2025 FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championship final.
