Lausanne, Switzerland, June 19, 2019 - Poland became the last team to advance to the Final Six of the 2019 FIVB Women's Volleyball Nations League, after Brazil knocked out Belgium at Ankara on the penultimate day of pool play.
Poland join Brazil, Italy, USA, Turkey and hosts China who had already secured their tickets for the final phase of the competition, 3-7 July in Nanjing.
Going into Wednesday's action, Poland, Japan, the Dominican Republic and Belgium were still in contention for a last open spot in the Final Six.
With Malwina Smarzek up to her top-scoring performances once again, bagging 34 this time, Poland held off the Dominican Republic's attempted comeback for a 3-2 (25-18, 25-20, 23-25, 22-25, 17-15) win that put the Caribbean side out of the race.
However, it was still not over. Japan retained hopes, though these were quickly shattered when they fell in straight sets to Korea 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-23) in Boryeong. It was only Korea's second win this season, led by Kim Yeon Koung and Kim Heejin.
That left only Belgium in the running - but they had a mountain to climb, including beating powerhouse Brazil in Ankara. And although the Yellow Tigers played a plucky game, that win simply didn't materialise - it was actually all over for them after they lost the second set.
Powered by 14 points from Paula and another 13 from Gabi, Brazil went on to win the game 3-0 (25-23, 25-15, 25-18).
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FIVB.com - Volleyball Nations League
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