Croatian U17 women's volleyball team stuns Brazil in World Championship opener

Croatia's U17 women's volleyball team made a sensational debut at the World Championship in Chile, stunning favorites Brazil with a hard-fought 3-2 victory. The intense match, which lasted two and a half hours, saw Croatia overcome a strong Brazilian side in a dramatic five-set thriller (20:25, 25:21, 26:24, 17:25, 15:10).

Head coach Svetlana Ceca Ilić described the win as a "great reward for all the effort," emphasizing the team's collective spirit and resilience. "After everything we went through during preparations, I think this is a great reward for all the effort – for everyone, including those who unfortunately stayed home," Ilić stated. She particularly commended the players who came off the bench, taking responsibility and regaining concentration when the team faltered, especially in the crucial fourth set.

“

After everything we went through during preparations, I think this is a great reward for all the effort – for everyone, including those who unfortunately stayed home.

The Croatian team's effective serving was identified as a key element in their victory. "Our serving today had the greatest value in the game, and every time we needed it, it served us well," the coach noted. Despite Brazil's impressive technical skill, Croatia managed to break their momentum through determined play and strategic adjustments. The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, with significant ups and downs for both sides, ultimately culminating in Croatia's triumph.

“

Our serving today had the greatest value in the game, and every time we needed it, it served us well.