With teams having played two or three matches in the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Italy and Bulgaria this week, we will now look at which teams can clinch their berths into the second round of the tournament with the matches being played on Saturday, September 15th.
In Pool A, no teams can clinch on Saturday. However an Italy win (vs. Argentina) and Slovenia win (vs. Belgium) would all but guarantee their spots. Both teams would reach 3 wins and 9 points, while Argentina, Belgium and Japan could at most reach 3 wins and at most 9 points. If Argentina and Belgium win, the Dominican Republic all but eliminated as the best they can do is 2 wins and 6 points. The Dominican Republic would depend on set ratios, which right now for them is the worst in the group.
As for Pool B, here are the following scenarios to clinch a berth in the second round:
Canada (2-0, 6 points)
- WIN vs. China
- A China loss means that China can only reach 2 wins, and Egypt already can only reach 2 wins
Brazil (2-0, 5 points)
- WIN vs. Netherlands
- AND China LOSS
- If China beats Canada in 3 or 4 sets, and then wins its final two matches in 3 or 4 sets with Brazil losing twice (in <5 sets), it could overtake them on points (9-8 China)
In Pool C, no team can clinch, but the winner of the USA vs. Russia match will all but clinch their position with 3 wins in the pool.
With Pool D, here are the following scenarios to clinch a berth in the second round:
Poland (2-0, 6 points)
- WIN vs. Finland
- AND Cuba LOSS
- Poland would reach 3 wins, while Cuba and Puerto Rico can only reach 2 wins
Iran (2-0, 6 points)
- WIN vs. Cuba
- Iran would reach 3 wins, while Cuba and Puerto Rico can only reach 2 wins
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