The Netherlands players celebrate their victory over Thailand
Verona, Italy, September 24, 2014 - The Netherlands continued their winning performance at the FIVB Women’s World Championship, beating Thailand 3-0 (25-20, 25-, 25-18) at PalaOlimpia on Wednesday.
Key points:
•The Netherlands and Thailand clashed for the second time at the Women’s World Championship, after their first meet in 2010, when Thailand lost 3-1
•The two teams met in other four occasions in the World Grand Prix and Thailand lost all matches
•The Netherlands have yet to lose one set at the FIVB Women’s World Championship Italy 2014
Celeste Plak, Robin De Kruijf, Judith Pietersen and Anne Buijs of Netherlands all scored 10 points in this match. On the Asian side, Kuttika Kaewpin had the best scoring performance with 11 points.
The match started in a balanced fashion, with both teams vocally encouraged by fans wearing traditional costumes from Thailand on one side and orange tops on the other.
The first set developed with point-by-point rallies that lead to a slight advantage for the Netherlands to 16-15.
The Dutch players were able to widen the gap and and ace by Anne Bujis sealed the first set 25-20.
Judith Pieterson gave the Netherlands the lead in the beginning of the second set scoring three aces in a row, while Thailand struggled to keep up their performance allowing the Europeans a significant advantage.
A few erroros on the Netherlands’ side allowed the Asian team to close the gap, but Anne Bujis’ attack proved precious once again and closed the set 25-22.
Plak secured again the lead for the Netherlands in the third set and despite Thailand’s strong defense the European team kept their momentum to 16-11 at the second technical time out.
Thailand kept focusing on defense as the European side was attacking effectively, and a Netherlands block closed the set 25-18.
Unbeaten Netherlands will take on the USA for their third match on Thursday, while Thailand, who have yet to win one set at this World Championship, will face Mexico.