2025 VNL Jul 9: Serbia’s First Win, Germany Edges Out Canada

After a two-week break, the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) resumed on July 9, marking the start of Week 3 with nine matches involving all 18 teams. As the preliminary round enters its final week, the competition heats up with teams battling for a place in the finals and to avoid relegation.

In Pool 9, held in Chiba, Japan, Brazil opened the week with a 3-1 victory over Bulgaria (25-21, 27-29, 25-10, 25-19), securing their 8th win of the tournament. Bulgaria’s record dropped to 3-6 as head coach Antonina Zetova left out several experienced players to rest them ahead of the upcoming World Championship in Thailand.

Poland followed with a 3-1 win over South Korea (18-25, 25-19, 25-14, 28-26), securing their 8th victory of the season. South Korea, with only one win and four points in nine matches, remains at serious risk of relegation as the tournament nears its conclusion.

In the final match of the day, Japan delighted the home crowd by sweeping France in straight sets (25-23, 25-16, 25-19) to collect their 7th win, while France fell to 3-6.

In Pool 7, hosted in Apeldoorn, Netherlands, Serbia claimed their first victory of the season by defeating Czechia 3-1 (22-25, 25-22, 28-26, 25-18). This crucial win ended Serbia’s 12-match losing streak across two seasons and lifted them above South Korea and Thailand on the leaderboard, with all three teams tied at one win but Serbia ahead on points. Czechia fell to 4-5 after the loss.

Italy continued their dominant run with a straight-sets win over Belgium (25-19, 25-15, 25-18), extending their perfect record to 9-0. The reigning Olympic champions remain undefeated, while Belgium dropped to 3-6 following the loss.

Türkiye capped off the day in Apeldoorn by defeating hosts Netherlands 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-21). Turkish outside hitter Ebrar Karakurt shone with 21 points in just three sets, helping Türkiye claim their 8th victory, while the Netherlands fell to 3-6.

In Pool 8, held in Arlington, USA, Germany edged out Canada in a thrilling five-set battle (24-26, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13). With this win, Germany improved their record to 5-4 while Canada slumped to 2-7, further jeopardizing their position in the standings.

The excitement continued as China narrowly defeated the Dominican Republic in another five-set clash (25-22, 17-25, 22-25, 25-22, 15-13). China improved to 6-3, while the Dominican Republic fell to 4-5 despite an outstanding performance from Brayelin Martinez, who scored 33 points.

In the final match of the day, the United States overcame Thailand 3-1 (28-26, 21-25, 27-25, 25-15) to claim their 5th victory, strengthening their chances of advancing to the finals. Thailand remains on one win and now sits just one place above the relegation zone, following Serbia’s earlier victory. Thai opposite Kokram Pimpichaya was a standout performer, leading all scorers with 28 points in just four sets.

The opening day of Week 3 showcased pivotal wins and standout individual performances. Serbia’s long-awaited victory gave them a lifeline in the fight to avoid relegation, while Italy’s continued dominance solidified their position as title contenders. Meanwhile, dramatic five-set matches in Pool 8 underscored the resilience of Germany, China, and the Dominican Republic, with star players such as Brayelin Martinez and Kokram Pimpichaya shining under pressure. As the preliminary round draws to a close, every point and match carries immense weight, setting the stage for an electrifying finish to the tournament.

(Featured image source: Volleyball World)

(Written by Boris CHUNG Bok Man)