The preliminary stage of the 2025 FIVB Women`s Volleyball World Championship continued on Sunday, featuring intense action across Pools A through D. The day`s matches showcased a compelling blend of decisive victories and closely contested battles, keeping the group standings refreshingly dynamic.
Pool A & B Highlights
In Pool A, the Netherlands secured a convincing straight-sets triumph over Egypt (25-15, 25-13, 25-13), demonstrating a consistent and formidable performance throughout the match. Following this, Thailand claimed their second tournament victory, also in straight sets, against Sweden (25-18, 25-20, 25-22). Although Sweden presented a strong challenge in each set, Thailand expertly capitalized on crucial late-game points, much to the delight of their home supporters.
Pool B also delivered two swift three-set outcomes. Italy achieved their second consecutive win by sweeping Cuba 3-0, with star player Paola Egonu leading the charge with 12 points. Belgium mirrored this success against Slovakia (25-19, 25-17, 25-18), where Britt Herbots distinguished herself as the match`s top scorer, racking up 21 points. With these results, both Italy and Belgium remain undefeated, jointly holding the top position in their group with six points each, putting them in an excellent position to advance from the pool stage.
Competitive Encounters in Pool C & D
Pool C presented a more fiercely competitive landscape. Greece earned their inaugural victory by defeating Puerto Rico 3-1, a win largely propelled by Anthouli, who shone as the day`s leading scorer with an impressive 27 points. Subsequently, a thrilling five-set marathon unfolded between Brazil and France. France started with powerful momentum, securing the first two sets, but Brazil launched a remarkable comeback to ultimately win 3-2. Gabi contributed 18 points for the victorious Brazilian side, while Cazaute recorded 20 points for France in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort.
In Pool D, Czechia and Slovenia engaged in one of the tournament`s most closely fought battles. Czechia executed an incredible turnaround, rallying from two sets down to clinch a 3-2 victory. Brancuska was pivotal for the winners with 24 points, closely followed by Sillah who scored 23 for Slovenia. Later, the USA defeated Argentina 3-1, securing their second win and becoming the first team officially confirmed for the Round of 16. Middle blockers Dana Rettke and Chiaka Ogbogu were key offensive assets, scoring 15 and 14 points respectively. The Americans` formidable net presence was also a deciding factor, as they outblocked Argentina by a significant margin of 15 to 6.
The atmosphere was electric, and we gave it our all. Every point mattered, especially in those tight sets. It`s a testament to our team`s fighting spirit.
Elles Dambrink, Dutch opposite
Sunday`s Preliminary Round 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)
