Klaric (no. 14) top scored with 20 points and led her team to an easy win against Algeria
Chiclayo, Perú, June 11, 2016 - World No. 21 Croatia recorded their fifth win from as many matches to book a spot in the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix Group 3 Final Four after beating Algeria, also ranked 21st in the world, in straight sets (25-19, 25-17, 25-15) in Chiclayo on Saturday.
Twenty points from Karla Klaric, including seven service aces, gave Croatia a straight forward victory and a place in the Final Four in Almaty, Kazakhstan. They sit top of the Group 3 standings ahead of Peru and Kazakhstan who will also be in Almaty.
Team Croatia took a risk playing with young players and Algeria took advantage of their lack of experience at the beginning of the first set. However, as the set progressed, Croatia were able to adapt to the powerful Algerian serves and take control of the play. A solid block by Klaric ended the set at 25-19.
The beginning of the second part saw Croatia making mistakes in block and serve and the score close until the second technical time-out. This is when the versatile Croatian attack took over to lead the team to a 25-17 win.
In the final set, nerves and lack of concentration from Algeria stopped them from returning to the good rhythm they had displayed in the opener. That, coupled with Croatia's solid game both in attack and defence, meant a quick affair as the European side raced to a 25-15 knock-out.