Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Volleyball Women's World Championship match.
In the concluding tie of the first round of the play-offs, Turkey face Slovenia. The winner will play the winner of the United States vs Canada, while the loser will go home, so motivation is sky-high for both squads.
Turkey (women)
Turkey delivered a surprisingly modest Volleyball Nations League campaign and were eliminated in the first play-off round by Japan (2:3). The team therefore entered the Volleyball Women's World Championship with a single aim: to make amends. The start has been excellent, with three wins in the group by a combined 9-0 in sets. Moreover, the squad handled Bulgaria with ease (25:23, 25:19, 25:13), which indicates that the adjustments have been made effectively.
Slovenia (women)
Slovenia scraped into the play-offs at the Volleyball Women's World Championship. In the group, the team lost 1:3 to the United States, and also slipped to a 2:3 defeat to the Czech Republic, having squandered a two-set lead. Both opponents were significantly weaker than the current Turkey squad, so it is hard to give Slovenia even a theoretical chance in the play-offs.
Turkey (women) vs Slovenia (women) Prediction
This should be a comfortable win for Turkey. They are significantly stronger than the opposition, so the team should book their place in the quarter-finals without any trouble. The nominal visitors will not take a set.
