Kalina Veneva delivered a standout 12-point performance as Bulgaria swept Mexico 3-0 to secure their quarterfinal spot at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Girls' U19 World Championship. The European champions showed no mercy, displaying balanced offense and defense alongside teammates Viara Parapunova and Darina Naneva.
"We're taking one match at a time and focusing on our next opponent," a confident Veneva might say after her team's dominant display.
The championship's intensity has reached fever pitch with eight elite squads now preparing for Friday's crucial quarterfinal matchups. Bulgaria will face Brazil, who outlasted Belgium 3-0 behind Luize Da Silva Tavares' impressive offensive showing.
Türkiye silenced the Croatian home crowd with a composed 3-1 victory over the co-hosts. Worth noting – 15-year-old Aylin Uysalcan stole the spotlight with 14 points as her team dominated in attacks and blocks. They'll next challenge China, who edged out Serbia in a nail-biting five-setter thanks to captain Huang Yuexin's powerful 25-point contribution.
Japan overcame a shaky start to defeat Chinese Taipei 3-1, with star opposite Rion Chuganji once again proving her worth by tallying a match-high 25 points. They're set to face Poland, who maintained their perfect record by dispatching Thailand in straight sets behind Natasza Ornoch's 13-point effort.
Rounding out the quarterfinal lineup, defending champions USA survived a scare against Germany, needing all five sets to advance. Their stellar block unit featuring Suliane Davis, Jordan Taylor, and Gabrielle Nichols proved decisive in the clutch moments. The Americans will battle Italy, who continued their strong showing with a 3-1 win over Argentina, highlighted by Alessandra Talarico's six kill blocks.
Interestingly, while the eight quarterfinalists chase the coveted title, classification matches continue for all 24 participating teams to determine the complete final rankings.
Can Bulgaria ride their momentum to upset Brazil? Will the defending champions USA continue their march toward back-to-back titles? Friday's matchups promise answers – and probably more questions.
