The Men`s Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines delivered an exhilarating third day of preliminary action across Pools A, C, F, and H. A major highlight was Czechia`s stunning straight-sets triumph over Serbia, marking a powerful start to their tournament journey.
Pool A Highlights
Iran 1-3 Egypt (17-25, 25-16, 23-25, 20-25)
Egypt initiated their 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship campaign in Pasay City with a significant upset, defeating Iran 3-1. Key contributions came from outside hitters Ahmed Shafik Said (18 points, 62% attack efficiency) and Abdelrahman Elhossiny (17 points, 65% attack efficiency), with opposite Seif Abed adding 12 points. Egypt held an advantage in spike kills (52-45) and aces (8-4), while Iran led in blocks (10-7) and had fewer unforced errors (24 vs. 26). Iran’s top scorers were Ali Hajipour (17 points, including three kill blocks and an ace) and Poriya Khanzadeh (12 points, with three aces and two kill blocks).
Pool C Highlights
Argentina 3-2 Finland (19-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-11)
France 3-0 Korea (25-12, 25-18, 25-16)
France, the reigning Olympic champions, began their World Championship run in Quezon City with a dominant 3-0 sweep over Korea. They showcased superiority across all aspects of the game: 35-28 in spike kills, 10-4 in blocks, and a remarkable 10-0 in aces, also capitalizing on more opponent errors. Jean Patry was outstanding, leading his team with 16 points (3 aces, 2 blocks) and an impressive 73% attack success rate. Heo Subong was Korea’s highest scorer with 9 points. Patry emphasized the importance for France to enjoy their play and start the tournament with high energy, especially given that some players might be on their final run together.
Pool F Highlights
Italy 3-0 Algeria (25-13, 25-22, 25-17)
Ukraine 0-3 Belgium (16-25, 17-25, 22-25)
Belgium, known as the Red Dragons, launched their Pool F campaign at Smart Araneta Coliseum with a convincing 3-0 sweep. They set a strong pace early in each set, largely thanks to the exceptional performance of 22-year-old opposite spiker Ferre Reggers, who delivered a match-high 23 points (20 attack points + 3 blocks). Supporting him were Seppe Rotty and team captain Sam Deroo (recently recovered from surgery), contributing 13 and 12 points respectively. Belgium also demonstrated superior blocking with 10 blocks compared to Ukraine’s 5. This victory not only ensured a perfect start for Belgium but also built crucial momentum for their upcoming clash against reigning world champions Italy on September 16th.
Pool H Highlights
Brazil 3-1 China (19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-21)
Serbia 0-3 Czechia (22-25, 23-25, 20-25)
In a significant upset, Czechia, globally ranked 21st, defeated the 12th-ranked Serbia in straight sets. This victory boosted Czechia’s FIVB World Ranking three spots to 18th, while Serbia dropped to 13th. Although Serbia briefly took early leads in sets, Czechia consistently maintained control of the scoreboard. Key statistics favored Czechia with a 4-0 lead in aces, a slight edge in spike kills (45-43), and fewer unforced errors (17 vs. 23). Patrik Indra was the match leader with 14 points, all from attacks at a 64% success rate, securing the match-winning point. Lukas Vasina added 13 points, including half of Czechia’s aces. For Serbia, Pavle Peric scored 14 points, and opposite Drazen Luburic contributed 12.
