The reigning Asian champions overwhelmed Sweden 3-0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-22) at Bangkok’s Indoor Stadium. The victory followed their 3-1 win against Egypt in the opening match on Friday, reports the Bangkok Post.
The Thais, who have six points, will battle it out this evening against the Netherlands, who have five points after sweeping past Egypt 3-0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-13) earlier in the day, for the top spot in the pool.
Backed by thousands of fans at the packed Indoor Stadium, star opposite Pimpichaya Kokram again had an impressive performance, leading the Thai offence with 23 points (20 kills, two aces, one block). Middle blocker Thatdao Nuekjang also reached double digits with 11 (10 kills, one block).
“We prepared very well for this match, we knew what we had to do and we followed the game plan very well,” said Pimpichaya. “We played with joy in front of our fans too. They help us a lot, they’re really amazing. We get a lot of energy from them.”
Coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai hailed his team’s effort but admitted the team were under pressure heading into the match.
“Thanks to the players for all their hard work today. We were under a lot of pressure before the match. We saw how well Sweden played against the Netherlands so everyone was so focused today,” he said.
Swedish star opposite Isabelle Haak topped all scorers with 25 points (24 kills, one block), but her efforts weren’t enough to give her country’s national team their first victory in World Championship history.
“It’s been amazing for us to play in our first World Championship,” said team captain and outside hitter Anna Haak, who scored 10 points. “Unfortunately, it didn’t go our way, but Thailand played a really good game today.”
Italy and Belgium recorded their second straight wins and claimed the two Pool B spots in the Round of 16, leaving Slovakia and Cuba, who are yet to win a set in the tournament, with no chances of progressing.
Reigning Olympic and Volleyball Nations League champions Italy crushed Cuba 3-0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-16) to top the Pool B standings in Phuket with a perfect record after two matches.
Italy’s star opposite Paola Egonu played only in the first two sets of the game, but managed to top the scoring charts of the match with 12 points.
Star outside hitter Britt Herbots scored 21 points while middle blocker Silke Van Avermaet tallied 12 as Belgium defeated Slovakia 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-18).
In Pool C, Brazil booked their ticket to the elimination rounds after a thrilling five-set win against France in Chiang Mai.
The South Americans went down in the first two sets against the Europeans, but found strength from within to fight back and triumph 3-2 (21-25, 20-25, 25-15, 25-17, 15-13) and sealed their place in the last 16.
In the other pool match, Greece beat Puerto Rico 3-1 (25-19, 25-13, 23-25, 25-14) for their first World Championship victory in 23 years.