IN the event that Alas Pilipinas turns its FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship debut into a riveting Cinderella run, some of the world’s top-tier teams await in the knockout stage.
Wishful thinking? Sure. But when it comes to the world stage, there can always be a few major upsets here and there.
And with the home crowd rallying Alas on, who knows what sort of miracle can emerge, right?
READ: Bagunas, Espejo lead 14-man Alas side in FIVB World Championship
Based on how the tournament’s playoff bracket was set up, the Philippines’ path in the next stage of the competition involves dealing with the top two winners of Pool H.
Included in that group are world No. 3 Brazil, Serbia, Czechia and Asian sporting rival China.
The toughest threat by a mile in Pool H are the Canarinhos of Brazil, headlined by multi-awarded superstars Ricardo Lucarelli and the sibling act of Darlan and Alan Souza.
They are the reigning FIVB Worlds and Volleyball Nations League (VNL) bronze medalists, also armed with three Olympic gold and silver medals.
The three remaining teams in that group are just as fearsome, all being among the top 30 in the world rankings entering the tournament.
European powerhouses Serbia and Czechia are ranked 12th and 21st, respectively, and do not run short of experience in competing and winning at the highest level.
Then comes an emerging Asian force in China.
The Chinese side is ranked No. 26 in the world and is the fifth-best nation in the continent.
Either the top two teams in Pool H or another team from the Philippines’ group stage foes in Tunisia, Iran or Egypt are in the Nationals’ paths in the Round of 16 and the quarterfinals.
Semis, anyone?
If the country was to dream a bit bigger and aim a bit higher, one of the bona fide contenders from Pools D and E await in the semifinal.
Among those teams are fan favorites USA and Slovenia, along with Cuba, Portugal, Colombia, Germany, Bulgaria and Chile.
But again, before Alas can even think of pulling off the greatest 'Hail Mary' off its sleeves, it's one game at a time in pool play first with Tunisia (Sep. 12), Egypt (Sep. 16) and Iran (Sep. 18) ready to lock horns in Pool A.
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