Spain stun hosts Bulgaria on the opening day

Spain frustrated the home fans on the opening day of the 2024 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship, beating hosts Bulgaria in one of the seven matches held in the country’s capital Sofia on Saturday.

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Pool A: Tugores leads Spain to four-set victory

Spain and Bulgaria featured in one of the two matches that went beyond three sets on the first day of the tournament in Sofia and the visitors emerged victorious, triumphing 3-1 (25-20, 21-25, 25-19, 25-20) to claim their first three points. Outside hitter Rafael Tugores produced a match-high 21 points (19 kills, one ace, one block), while outside hitter Aleksander Dobrev led the home side with 16 (14 kills, one ace, one block).

“I’m happy for our team because everyone played really well today and we showed great chemistry,” Tugores reacted. “Playing the home team is never easy, especially when it’s in the opening match, with all the nerves. We knew it was an important match and I’m happy with how we played and that we managed to win it.”

Setter Shi Yu-En in action for the Chinese Taipei

The other match of the day saw the Chinese Taipei dominate Mexico to secure a 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-17) victory in their debut. Outside hitter Huang Pin-Yen was the main Asian scorer in the encounter, producing 15 points (12 kills, two aces, one block), three more than Mexican outside hitter Emi Diaz, who had 11 kills and one ace.

On Sunday, Spain will face Mexico at 11:00 local time (8:00 GMT), while Bulgaria and the Chinese Taipei will meet later, at 17:00 (14:00).

Pool C: Italy and Argentina start strong

European giants Italy had a challenging debut against Cuba, but, despite dropping a set, managed to come out on top, winning 3-1 (25-23, 24-26, 25-15, 25-12). Opposite Federico Argano and captain Manuel Zlatanov, with 18 points apiece, guided the Italians to victory. Opposite Yosdani Medina tallied ten points for the Caribbean.

Two Italian blockers try to stop Cuban opposite Yosdani Medina

Earlier, Argentina claimed their first victory in the tournament, beating Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-16, 25-15, 25-22) with opposite Henry Sinner (13) and outside hitters Federico Debonis (11) and Benjamin Flores (11) splitting the team’s scoring load. Puerto Rico got 11 points from middle blocker Dylan Lopez.

Argentineans and Cubans will duel on Sunday at 14:00 (11:00), while Italians and Puerto Ricans will feature in the last match of the day, scheduled for 20:00 (17:00).

FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U17 World Championship: match schedule and results

Pool B: Egypt on top in the African derby

Egypt were faced with continental rivals Tunisia in their first match in Sofia and delivered a solid performance to overcome their opponents 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-15). Outside hitters Zeyad Ghonim and Hamza Yassin Jr. combined for 28 points, with the former contributing 15 and the latter adding another 13. Opposite Issam Lotai led Tunisia with nine points.

Egypt's Zeyad Ghonim spikes past the Tunisian block

Iran and Libya also made it to the court on Saturday and the Asians came out on top, winning 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 30-28). Outside hitter Raouf Khoshhaldashliboroun had a great scoring performance, tallying 18 points (15 kills, two blocks, one ace), beating Libyan opposite Muezbillah Ballnour, who registered 16, all in kills.

The two winners, Egypt and Iran will battle on Sunday at 11:00 (8:00), while Tunisians and Libyans will face each other three hours later.

Pool D: Brazil sweep Chile

Pool D had just one match held on Saturday, with South American rivals Brazil and Chile dueling. The Brazilians were better and produced a 3-0 (25-14, 25-12, 25-14) win thanks in part to the 19 points (16 kills, three blocks) registered by middle blocker Theo Schrank – opposite Joaquin Valjalo scored ten for the Chileans.

Brazilian libero Rafael Koatz passes

The second match scheduled didn’t take place as Uzbekistan didn’t make it to Sofia on time and had to forfeit all their three pool matches, starting with Saturday’s duel against Belgium.

On Sunday, the Belgians will play Chile at 17:00 (14:00) while Brazil will score a forfeit win over Uzbekistan.