Turkiye and Italy qualifiy for historic Olympic Semi-Final
An all-time great performance from Turkish opposite, Melissa Vargas, saw the Europeans reach the semi-finals at the Olympic Games in Paris, their first-ever appearance at this stage of the Olympic competition.
Turkiye and China played out an entertaining five-set clash in the Olympic quarter-finals, with Turkiye prevailing 15-12 in the deciding set. Vargas was undoubtedly the star of the show, racking up an astonishing 42 points, the second-most ever in an Olympic competition, behind Barbara Jelic’s 44. Vargas fired down 38 attacks, to go with two blocks and two aces en route to her historic performance.
After suffering heartbreak in Tokyo three years ago when they lost to South Korea 3-2 in the quarter-finals, Turkiye will now have the opportunity to play for a medal as they reach the last four in Paris. This is their first appearance in the semi-finals in just their third Games.
Turkiye will face fellow Europeans Italy in the final four after the world No. 1s took down Serbia to also reach the Olympic semi-finals for the first time.
Italy have been waiting a long time to get their hands on a medal in the women’s volleyball, and they are now just one win away from guaranteeing one in Paris. The recently crowned 2024 Volleyball Nations League champions started strong against Serbia and didn’t look back, securing a 3-0 win to advance in style.
The quarter-final showcased two of the best opposites in the world in Paola Egonu and Tijana Boskovic and they showed up, finishing the match with 19 points each as Italy finally progressed from an Olympic quarter-final at the fifth time of asking.
Awaiting Italy or Turkiye in the final will be either Brazil or USA, after both sides enjoyed 3-0 victories in their quarter-finals. Brazil, who are yet to drop a set in Paris, defeated Dominican Republic courtesy of 20 points from the iconic Gabi, while USA, led by 13 points from Annie Drews, defeated Poland. This semi-final is a rematch of the last Olympic final in Tokyo, which USA won 3-0.
The women’s volleyball semi-finals will take place on Thursday 8th August.