After the South American Women’s Championship in August which was won by Brazil, the South American Volleyball Confederation (CSV) has one more spot remaining for the 2018 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Japan. Instead of having the top two teams from the championship advance, the CSV has a second tournament, which four teams will participate. Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay and hosts Peru. Interestingly Uruguay did not play in the Continental Championship in August.
Argentina (FIVB ranking 11 as of August 7, 2017) finished 10th in Group 2 of the 2017 World Grand Prix and 4th in the South American Championship. The Panteras (Panthers) lost both of their matches to Peru and Colombia in the Championships, and once to Peru in the World Grand Prix. Argentina is practicing in the city of Humahuaca, Jujuy, Argentina at nearly 10,000 feet in elevation in preparation for the matches in Arequipa, Peru, which is at 7,600 feet in elevation. Argentina did make the 2014 World Championships and last years Olympics, but they may not make it this time.
Colombia (FIVB ranking 28) finished 7th in Group 2 of the 2017 World Grand Prix and 2nd in the South American Championship, which they hosted. Colombia defeated Argentina and Peru in the Championships, but lost to Peru in the World Grand Prix. The World Grand Prix match was hosted by Peru. Colombia has never played in the World Championships and would like to show that they are the second best team in South America, even after the South American Championship finish.
Peru (FIVB ranking 26) have long been the 2nd team in South America to Brazil, with 12 appearances in the World Championships. Peru this year finished 9th in Group 2 of the 2017 World Grand Prix and 3rd in the South American Championship. Peru did sweep Argentina and Colombia in the World Grand Prix, but only had a win over Argentina in the South American Championship. The elevation in Arequipa may give the Peruvians a home court advantage.
Uruguay (FIVB ranking 115) are really an unknown quantity as they finished 7th in the 2015 South American Championship and that is really the only tournament they play in. As they did not play in the 2017 South American Championship, I am not expecting much from them against three stronger countries.
Match Schedule
October 13
Argentina vs. Colombia
Peru vs. Uruguay
October 14
Argentina vs. Uruguay
Peru vs. Colombia
October 15
Colombia vs. Uruguay
Peru vs. Argentina
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