THE biggest global stars in men’s volleyball are back in Manila for the country’s third straight hosting of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) powered by PLDT Home in its commitment to bring world-class sporting action to Filipino fans.
This year, the stakes are even higher as the eight competing nations are shooting for either a spot in the VNL quarterfinals in Lodz, Poland or one of five remaining Olympic berths in next month’s Summer Games in Paris, France.
The VNL Manila leg has proved to be yet another thrilling spectacle with breakthrough moments and jaw-dropping surprises from all eight competing nations as Olympic and VNL playoff berths are still up for grabs.
Here’s how the VNL 2024 in the Philippines played out, setting the stage for a jam-packed showcase of men’s volleyball at the highest level.
Brazil outshines the Netherlands
It was a tournament opener as lit as can be as Brazil played spoiler to a 38-point performance from multi-awarded Dutch captain Nimir Abdel-Aziz with a 24-26, 25-23, 31-29, 25-20 come-from-behind win.
Brazil was quick to shrug off a shaky start and had just enough in the tank to overcome tight late-set finishes through Darlan’s 26 points on 20 attacks, three blocks and three aces.
While the South American powerhouse zeroed in on a VNL quarterfinals seat with six wins in nine outings, the Dutch dropped further down the order at 3-6 in 13th place.
PH to host 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship
Local and international volleyball officials graced the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City for the ceremonial ball turnover ahead of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship to be hosted by the Philippines in September next year.
The 32-team field which also features the country’s own Alas Pilipinas side will usher in the biggest edition of the global showpiece yet in front of a now volleyball-crazed nation.
“We’re bringing the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship to the Philippines because of the amazing Filipino hospitality and of course, the world’s best volleyball fans,” said Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor.
Japan bows to Canada in five-set thriller
Fan-favorite Japan’s third straight VNL trip to the Philippines was off to a tough start after yielding to Canada in five sets, 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, 20-25, 15-10.
While Stephen Maar brought his A-game to Manila with 24 points on 22 attacks and two aces, back-to-back 19-point nights from star duo Yuji Nishida and captain Yuki Ishikawa weren’t able complete Japan’s last-gasp comeback bid.
Although dealing with physical discomfort, well-loved outside hitter Ran Takahashi fired 13 markers to pace the losing effort.
Germany stuns reigning Olympic gold medalist France
Facing the 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalists didn’t faze Germany one bit after taking down France in four sets, 25-23, 25-27, 25-20, 25-23.
Even after two prior retirements from the sport, 39-year-old ace Gyí¶rgy Grozer still had it for the German side as he fired 21 points built on 18 attacks, two aces and one block.
Now left scratching for answers, France’s Jean Patry was on top of a difficult Manila leg opener for the 2022 VNL champions with 20 markers as they lose for only the third time in nine matches in the preliminary round.
Iran shocks USA for first VNL win
An upset couldn’t get any bigger than Iran’s surprise five-set win over the Olympic-bound Americans, 26-28, 25-23, 25-18, 28-26, 15-13, to wrap up the second day of VNL action in Manila.
Team USA’s first-ever visit to the Philippines began with a shock loss powered by the heroics of Poriya Hossein Khanzadeh, who also landed the game-winning attack and collected 23 points on 22 attacks and one ace.
American power hitter TJ Defalco came out swinging with 33 big points for the reigning VNL bronze medalists, only to be spoiled by an Iran side that has yet to win a single VNL game in eight prior matches and sits dead last in the league table.
