The South Americans started behind, but fought back and defeated the Asians in Pasay City
Setter Fernando ‘Cachopa’ Kreling had five of his hitters getting to double digits in scoring against the Chinese
Three-time world champions Brazil lost their first set in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Sunday, but turned things around and defeated China to claim their first victory in the tournament and collect all three points.
Playing at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, the South Americans saw the Chinese start strong, but settled as the match progressed and pulled off an important 3-1 (19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-21) victory in the last match of the third day of action in the Philippines.
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The four-set victory gave Brazil their first three points in the Pool H standings. Czechia, who upset Serbia with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-20) earlier on Sunday, also have three points. The two best teams in the pool will qualify for the elimination rounds.
Young outside hitter Artur Bento was Brazil’s most productive player with 17 points (15 kills, one block, one ace). Middle blocker Judson Nunes contributed 14 (ten kills, four blocks) and opposite Alan de Souza added another 13 (12 kills and one block). Outside hitter Ricardo Lucarelli and middle blocker Flávio Gualberto also got to double digits, registering ten points each.
“It was a great way to start the tournament,” Lucarelli revealed. “It was a pretty tough match. China did a lot of different things when compared to the matches we played them in the Volleyball Nations League, and it took us a little too long to understand it and adjust. We didn’t start the match at our usual level, but once our serving got better, we got more comfortable and began to play in the way we wanted.”
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On the Chinese side, middle blocker Peng Shikun was the most productive with 12 points (eight kills, three blocks, one ace), followed by outside hitter Liu Libin, who got to ten with eight kills, one block and one ace.
“It’s a pity we couldn’t win today because I thought we played well,” Shikun remarked. “Some sets were very close, but we couldn’t get the win. Playing Brazil is always interesting because they are so good and I learn a lot every time.”
Brazil’s significant offensive superiority pushed them to victory as the South Americans outscored the Asians in kills by 62 to 44. They also had the edge in blocks (nine to eight), but were dominated in aces (one to five) and made 34 errors to China’s 22.
2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship: Match Schedule & Results
Pool H will resume action on Tuesday, when the second-round matches will be played. Brazil and Czechia go first, at 10:00 local time (2:00 GMT), with Serbia and China ending the day at 21:00 (13:00 GMT).
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