The preliminary stage of the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship continued on Sunday, delivering an enthralling day of competition. Matches across Pools A to D showcased a dynamic blend of dominant performances and nail-biting finishes, significantly shaping the group standings and keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Pool A: Dutch Dominance and Thai Triumph
In Pool A, the Netherlands secured a decisive straight-sets victory over Egypt, with scores of 25-15, 25-13, and 25-13. The Dutch squad exhibited unwavering consistency, providing Egypt with limited opportunities to mount a challenge. Following this, Thailand delighted their home crowd by claiming their second consecutive straight-sets win, this time against Sweden (25-18, 25-20, 25-22). Despite Sweden`s persistent efforts to keep each set tight, Thailand demonstrated superior composure in clinching crucial final points.
Pool B: Italy and Belgium Maintain Perfect Records
Pool B also witnessed two clear three-set outcomes. Italy registered their second win, convincingly defeating Cuba 3-0. Paola Egonu was a standout player, leading her team with 12 points and ensuring Italy remained firmly in control throughout the match. Belgium emulated this success by overcoming Slovakia 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-18), largely thanks to Britt Herbots` exceptional performance, who emerged as the top scorer with 21 points. With these victories, both Italy and Belgium hold perfect records, sharing the top spot in their group with six points each, establishing strong positions for advancement.
Pool C: Greece`s First Win and a Brazilian Comeback
The matches in Pool C proved to be more fiercely contested. Greece celebrated their inaugural win of the tournament by defeating Puerto Rico 3-1. Anthouli shone as the day`s leading scorer, tallying an impressive 27 points that proved pivotal for her team`s success. The subsequent clash between Brazil and France was a thrilling five-set marathon. France initiated strongly, claiming the opening two sets, but Brazil launched a remarkable comeback, ultimately securing a 3-2 victory. Gabi contributed 18 points for Brazil, while Cazaute led the French effort with 20 points.
Pool D: Czechia`s Resilient Win and USA`s Early Qualification
In Pool D, Czechia and Slovenia engaged in one of the tournament`s most evenly matched encounters, with Czechia staging an impressive recovery from a two-set deficit to triumph 3-2. Brancuska was a key figure for the winners with 24 points, while Sillah recorded 23 points for Slovenia. Later, the USA defeated Argentina 3-1, securing their second win and becoming the first team to officially qualify for the Round of 16. Middle blockers Dana Rettke (15 points) and Chiaka Ogbogu (14 points) were the leading scorers for the Americans, who also demonstrated a dominant presence at the net, out-blocking Argentina by a significant margin of 15 to 6.
Sunday`s Full Match Results:
Pool A
- Netherlands 3 vs Egypt 0 (25-15, 25-13, 25-13)
- Thailand 3 vs Sweden 0 (25-18, 25-20, 25-22)
Pool B
- Italy 3 vs Cuba 0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-16)
- Belgium 3 vs Slovakia 0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-18)
Pool C
- Puerto Rico 1 vs Greece 3 (19-25, 13-25, 25-23, 14-25)
- Brazil 3 vs France 2 (21-25, 20-25, 25-15, 25-17, 15-13)
Pool D
- Czechia 3 vs Slovenia 2 (22-25, 19-25, 25-23, 25-18, 15-13)
- USA 3 vs Argentina 1 (25-14, 23-25, 25-12, 25-17)
