Two teams are still unbeaten at the FIVB Women's Under-20 World Championship - Italy and The Netherlands ©Getty Images

The Netherlands overcame the United States in five sets to earn a place in the semi-finals of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Women's Under-20 World Championship, eliminating the Americans in the process.

Russia, who yesterday stunned the US, beat Poland 25-18, 25-16, 25-17 in the early Pool E game in Rotterdam.

That left the US needing to overcome the undefeated Dutch to keep their title hopes alive.

The Americans produced a spirited performance, fighting back from two sets down to take the match to a fifth, although by that time their hopes of reaching the last four had been snuffed out.

The decider went the way of the co-hosts, who triumphed 25-15, 25-22, 21-25, 21-25, 15-10 and are now one of just two unbeaten teams left at the FIVB Women's Under-20 World Championship.


Across the Belgian border in Kortrijk, Italy outclassed Serbia in a clash of two undefeated teams.

The Italians won 25-23, 25-18, 25-22.

Poland beat the Dominican Republic in straight sets in the pool's other match.

As Pool F winners, Italy will face Russia in Saturday's (July 17) semi-finals, while The Netherlands will play Serbia.

Those games will both be in Rotterdam.