USA to play for the gold medal at FIVB U18

ISMAILIA, Egypt, September 13, 2019 - A total sweep by USA of Brazil and an incredible comeback by Italy over China here, on the banks of the Suez Canal, in Friday evening's semifinals, confirmed the finalists of the 2019 FIVB Girls' U18 World Championship.

Italy will be going for an unprecedented third straight title, after their gold medals in 2015 and 2017. China have four world titles and Brazil three, but no one has ever done three in a row.

USA seek an elusive first gold in their third final, after back-to-back silver medals in 2013 and 2015.

Either way, history will be written in Ismailia Saturday evening.

Italy can also become the first country in history to win a boys' and girls' youth world title in the same year, after their success in the 2019 FIVB Boys' U19 World Championship in Tunis a fortnight ago.

Opposite Emily Londot led the Americans with 16 points, middle Caroline Crawford pocketed 14 points, middle Devyn Robinson charted 13 points and outside hitter Jess Mruz contributed 10 points.

 

In the classification for the 13-16 positions, Canada defeated Thailand 3-2 (9-25, 25-23, 25-22, 20-25, 15-10) wile Korea won against Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-15, 21-25, 25-16, 26-24). 

In the playoff for the 17-20 positions, Mexico finished in the 18th position behind Belarus with a 2-1 record after a 3-0 (25-8, 25-17, 25-20) victory over Congo.