2025 VNL Jun 8: Dramatic Finishes Close Out Week 1

The final day of Week 1 in the Volleyball Nations League 2025 took place on June 8, with 18 teams across three pools playing their last matches of the week.

In Pool 3, action began with Poland defeating Belgium in straight sets (25-11, 25-15, 27-25), improving their win-loss record to 3-1. Belgium, meanwhile, dropped to 1-3. In a post-match interview with VBTV, Poland’s coach Stefano Lavarini described Belgium’s lack of expected pressure in the first two sets but praised his team for their precision and efficiency. Although the third set performance dipped, he expressed satisfaction with the victory overall.

Thailand secured their first victory of the tournament next, defeating France 3-1 (25-14, 19-25, 25-23, 25-13). France concluded Week 1 with a 1-3 record. Thailand’s coach Kiattipong Radchatagriengkai, speaking to VBTV, said he was thrilled with the win, emphasizing the importance of maintaining player confidence and growth. He expressed hope that competing in the VNL would help his players learn to perform at the top level given their hard work and dedication.

The final match in Pool 3 saw Türkiye overcoming China in a five-set thriller (25-21, 21-25, 15-25, 28-26, 15-11) to finish Week 1 unbeaten. China ended the week with a 2-2 record. The match featured dramatic moments, including China erasing an eight-point deficit in the third set to win 31-29. In the fourth set, China led 24-20 with four match points, but Türkiye saved all four and won the set 28-26, forcing a decider. Türkiye ultimately claimed the match with an extraordinary comeback. In a VBTV interview, Türkiye’s coach Daniele Santarelli praised his team for their resilience, particularly in the third and fourth sets, saying they deserved the win despite their limits.

Over in Pool 2 in Rio de Janeiro, the day began with a highly anticipated matchup between world-ranked #1 Italy and world-ranked #2 Brazil. Italy defeated Brazil in straight sets (25-22, 25-18, 29-27) to remain unbeaten with a 4-0 record, while Brazil suffered their first loss of the tournament. Italian outside hitter Myriam Sylla, speaking to VBTV, highlighted the team’s strong serving and defense, which put Brazil under pressure. She also acknowledged the incredible atmosphere created by Brazilian fans but expressed pride in her team’s performance.

Germany defeated Czechia 3-1 (25-22, 25-18, 22-25, 25-23) in the second match, improving their record to 2-2. Czechia also finished Week 1 with a 2-2 record. Germany’s coach Giulio Cesare Bregoli, speaking to VBTV, emphasized the importance of the win against a similarly ranked team, noting that the three points helped them finish the week with eight overall. He praised his players’ positive mentality and teamwork, describing it as a pleasure to coach them.

The USA claimed their first win of the tournament in the final Pool 2 match, defeating South Korea 3-0 (25-13, 28-26, 25-17). South Korea remained winless after four matches. USA coach Erik Sullivan, in his VBTV interview, praised his team’s consistency in the match and their ability to stay competitive despite tough situations earlier in the week.

In Pool 1 in Ottawa, Japan continued their dominant form by defeating the Dominican Republic 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-9). Japan became the only team to finish Week 1 undefeated without dropping a single set. The Dominican Republic concluded Week 1 with a 2-2 record. Their captain, Niverka Marte, told VBTV that Japan’s strong defense and blocking made it a tough match, but her team is already focused on bouncing back in Week 2.

The Netherlands followed with a straight-set victory over Bulgaria (25-21, 25-16, 25-23), finishing Week 1 with a 2-2 record. Bulgaria also ended with the same win-loss record. Dutch outside hitter Iris Vos said in her VBTV interview that the win was crucial for her team after a challenging start to the week and she was happy they finished strong.

The final match of Week 1 saw Canada staging a remarkable comeback against Serbia. After losing the first two sets, Canada rallied to win 3-2 (20-25, 18-25, 25-20, 25-18, 15-12). Canada improved to a 2-2 record, while Serbia finished winless at 0-4. Canada’s coach Giovanni Guidetti praised his team for their resilience, noting it was no easy task to come back against Serbia, a team with great physicality. He credited improved serving and defending for the turnaround and commended his players for never giving up.

(Featured image source: Volleyball World)

(Written by Boris CHUNG Bok Man)