Brazil became the second team to book a semifinal berth at the 2026 Women's Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals in Macao on Wednesday, defeating Japan 3-1 (24-26, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20) in a hard-fought quarterfinal that showcased the growing depth of international volleyball.
The South Americans will now face defending champions Italy on Saturday for a place in Sunday's gold medal match. Italy secured their semifinal spot earlier by sweeping the Netherlands in straight sets.
Ana Cristina delivered a performance for the ages, posting a match-high 30 points with a devastating 54% kill rate on attacks, three kill blocks and two aces. The 22-year-old outside hitter was the driving force behind Brazil's offensive firepower, particularly in the pivotal third set which she closed with a blistering back-row pipe shot.
"It was a really tough match today, but at the same time, I was so comfortable on the court with my teammates," Ana Cristina told VBTV. "We helped each other so much. I think we are improving on that with each game. Our main power is when we are connected all together and it was amazing today. Even when we were a few points down, we were confident that we could change the score and we did it! I am so happy!"
Julia Bergmann also shone across the board, contributing 24 points with two aces, two blocks and 20 successful swings. Opposite Rosamaria Montibeller added 12 points as Brazil showcased the trademark depth that has made them perennial contenders.
The opening set was a thriller, pushed past 24-24 before Japan's middle blocker Nichika Yamada converted the set point with a monster block for 26-24. Japan led the second set 14-11 at one stage, but Brazil battled back to level the match at one set apiece.
Brazil dominated the third set 25-16 with a commanding 9-2 start, but Japan regrouped in the fourth, fighting level to 19-19 before Brazil's composure in the clutch proved decisive. Bergmann sealed the match with a pulverising ace from the end line.
Brazil dominated the stat sheet with a 15-8 advantage in kill blocks and 63-56 in spike kills, while both teams committed 15 unforced errors each. For Japan, opposite Yukiko Wada led the scoring with 19 points including two aces. Captain Mayu Ishikawa contributed 15 and Yoshino Sato added 12.
"We couldn't score at critical moments," Wada reflected. "There are a lot of things we have to work on, and I'd like to take some time to reflect on this."
Brazil, who have reached the VNL semifinals seven times, now face their toughest test yet against an Italy side that has looked dominant throughout the tournament, winning every match in straight sets.
Sources
- https://en.volleyballworld.com/volleyball/competitions/volleyball-nations-league/news/ana-cristina-in-hi-voltage-mode-powers-brazil-to-3-1-win-over-japan
