The Croatian women's national volleyball team secured a victory in the fifth round of Group C at the World Championship for players under 17, held in Chile. Against Argentina, the Croatian players required four sets to achieve the triumph, with the final score reading 3:1.
The first set was characterised by an even contest, with Argentina leading 12:13. At that crucial moment, the Croatian volleyball players scored six consecutive points, turning the tide of the set and winning 25:19. In the second set, Argentina opened with a two-point lead, but Croatia quickly took control to lead 8:5, eventually finishing the set convincingly at 25:15.
Although the Argentine players managed to win the third set 25:8, the fourth set was evenly matched until the very end. Croatia was more precise in the deciding set, winning 25:22. The match was officiated by referees Gamarra from Paraguay and Benbaka from Algeria.
With this victory, Croatia finished the group stage in second place in Group C. Their overall record in the group stands at three wins and two defeats. Given their position, the Croatian national team will face the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals.
The Czech Republic finished third in their group, Group A, with an identical record of three wins and two defeats. The two sides had already met at the recently concluded European Championship in Albania and Kosovo.
At that tournament, the Czech Republic was superior with a 3:0 result. The Czech team finished fourth in that competition, while Croatia placed fifth. A new challenge now follows in the bid for a higher standing on the world stage.
