Croatian U-17 Women's Volleyball Team Stuns Brazil in Five-Set Thriller
Svetlana Ilić's squad triumphed 3:2 over mighty Brazil, with Erin Ivezić scoring 24 and Emilie Stojić adding 20 points.
Svetlana Ilić's squad triumphed 3:2 over mighty Brazil, with Erin Ivezić scoring 24 and Emilie Stojić adding 20 points.
Croatia's U-17 women's volleyball team caused a sensation at the opening of the World Championship in Santiago. In the first round of Group C, on Thursday, August 7, 2026, they defeated Brazil 3:2 (20:25, 25:21, 26:24, 17:25, 15:10).
The match in the Chilean capital was a dramatic battle in which the young Croatian players showed character after losing the first set. Brazil won the opening set, but head coach Svetlana Ilić's side bounced back by taking the next two sets, only for the Brazilians to force a decisive tie-break with a convincing performance in the fourth.
In the fifth set, the Croatian players took control from the start. After Brazil's opening point, they responded with a four-point run and went into the side change leading 8:4. Riding on excellent serves from captain Lana Drviš and player Gulin, Croatia reached their first match point. Although they didn't convert it, at 14:10 Brazilian player Luisa sent the ball long for a final 15:10 and a big celebration for the Croatian team.
Croatia's standout player was Erin Ivezić, who scored 24 points. Emilie Stojić added 20, while Brazil was led by Luiza with 20 points. Also notable for Croatia were Istrian players Petra Došen and captain Lana Drviš.
Brazil was slightly better in attack points (52 to 49) and blocks (13 to 10), but Croatia dominated at the service line. They scored 13 points directly from serves, while Brazil managed only 7. Dugandžić led Croatia with four service aces.
The match was officiated by Sio Kit Wa from Macau and Benbaka Kahiya from Algeria. The World Championship in Santiago features 24 teams divided into four groups.
There's little time to celebrate. In the second round, Croatia faces another tough test against Japan. The match is scheduled for the night from Friday to Saturday, August 8-9, 2026, at 2:00 AM Croatian time.
