s Hui Ruoqi, Shen Ze, and Chen Zhan, suffered their first defeat of the tournament. They lost 0-3 (27-29, 16-25, 19-25) to the host team, Germany. Despite this setback, China’s earlier two consecutive wins secured them second place in Group A with a 2-1 record, ensuring advancement to the quarterfinals.
Germany displayed the strength expected of a host nation’s top contender, maintaining an undefeated streak with three wins and 9 points, firmly occupying the top position in Group A. China followed with 6 points from two wins and one loss, while Mongolia secured third place with one win and two losses, accumulating 3 points. Argentina, meanwhile, ended at the bottom with three losses and no points.
The opening set saw a fierce battle, with China pushing Germany to a nail-biting 29-27 finish. Although narrowly losing the set, China showed resilience. However, from the second set onward, China’s offense faltered significantly. Team captain Miao Yiwen became the focal point of Germany’s defensive pressure, which disrupted China’s overall blocking quality. This allowed Germany’s wing attackers to dominate, leading to China dropping the last two sets. Statistically, China struggled in attack (34 points versus Germany’s 49), blocking (6-7), and registered a 41ttack success rate compared to Germany’s impressive 59%.
Individually, Zhou Yetong was China's standout scorer, contributing 17 points (35 attacks with 14 successful hits, plus 1 block and 2 service points). Middle blocker Wang Wenhan added 8 points (15 attacks with 4 kills and 4 blocks), Wang Yizhu scored 6 points (15 attacks with 5 kills and 1 block), and Dai Sicong also contributed 6 points (12 attacks with 6 kills). Captain Miao Yiwen was held to just 4 points (18 attacks with 4 kills), while middle blocker Yang Mayiting scored 1 point (4 attacks with 1 kill).
Germany had two players scoring in double digits: outside hitter Pia led with 17 points (21 attacks with 12 kills, 3 blocks, and 2 service points), followed by Isabel Rebecca with 10 points (18 attacks with 9 kills and 1 service point).
With their place in the quarterfinals secured as the group’s second seed, China will face a decisive knockout match on July 20 against the top-ranked C-group team, the formidable Brazil women’s volleyball squad. Brazil has demonstrated dominant form in the group stage, defeating India in straight sets, then overcoming Spain 3-1, and finally edging Poland 3-2 in a tense battle for first place, showcasing their resilience under pressure.
Coach Wang Zhiteng’s team must prepare to counter Brazil’s potent middle blockers: Lana Gabriela and captain Larissa Bessen. In the match against Poland, Lana scored 12 points (20 attacks with 9 kills and 3 blocks), while Bessen led with 14 points (13 attacks with 8 kills and 6 blocks), highlighting their strong offensive and defensive presence at the net—posing a significant challenge for China.
Moreover, Brazil’s outside hitter Mariana Brambila was the offensive core against Poland, amassing 16 points (41 attacks with 15 kills and 1 service point). Opposite hitter Camila Santos contributed 7 points (19 attacks with 7 kills) but commanded high ball possession and tactical influence. These four players represent critical blocking and defensive targets for China in the upcoming match.
For the quarterfinal, China must enhance its serve reception stability and finishing efficiency on offense, while also improving the blocking effectiveness of the middle blockers. Facing such a powerful opponent requires courage and relentless effort. The hope is that coach Wang Zhiteng can guide the team to adjust tactically, showcase their best form, and fight hard for a spot in the semifinals.
The 14-player Chinese roster for the Rhine-Ruhr Universiade includes Miao Yiwen, Kong Weiran, Dai Sicong, Wang Yizhu, Gao Ya, Yang Mayiting, Wang Wenhan, Zhou Yetong, Yao Xinyue, Huang Xinyue, Zheng Mingyu, and Zhu Xingchen. Let us rally behind these athletes as they strive for success.
