2017 FIVB WORLD LEAGUE – GROUP 1

Group 1, Pool K1

July 4-8

Curitiba, Brazil

FIVB World League Finals

Schedule/Results

6 has become 4 at the 2017 FIVB World League. With their wins on Thursday, France and Brazil secured their places in the semi-finals in Curitiba. There will be no rest for the weary however – those semi-finals begin tomorrow, Friday, July 7th.

France did just enough to secure a spot in the semi-finals when they won the first two sets against Serbia. However, after that was clinched, they went heavily to their bench, sitting their captain Benjamin Toniutti, their best outside hitter Earvin Ngapeth, and their game 1 hero Julien Lyneel, in favor of reserves. That shift allowed Serbia to claw back into the match and win the next 2 sets.

France would get the last laugh though, bringing their starers back into the game to close out the final set and clinch the group.

That helped them avoid a semi-final matchup against the host Brazilians, who in spite of injuries are fielding their best 6 now for the World League Final 6 in front of a home crowd.

Earlier in the day, Brazil beat Russia 3-2, which gave them a 2nd win and the Pool J1 victory.

The French, who were easily the best team in the opening rounds of the World League, suddenly look unbeatable again after a disjointed-offensive start to the Final 6 against the Americans on Wednesday. They instead get Canada, the 5th seed in the late game. Brazil will play the United States, the 6th seed in the early game.

Semi-Finals and Finals Bracket and Schedule