Clear wins and dramatic finishes at the 2025 Women’s World Championship
recap
The preliminary round of the 2025 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship continued on Sunday, with matches in Pools A to D. The schedule offered a mix of straightforward wins and tight contests that kept the balance of the groups interesting.
In Pool A, the Netherlands defeated Egypt in straight sets (25-15, 25-13, 25-13). The Dutch side were consistent from start to finish, leaving Egypt with little chance to respond. Later, Thailand claimed their second victory of the tournament, also in straight sets, against Sweden (25-18, 25-20, 25-22). Sweden kept each set close, but Thailand managed the final points better in front of their home fans.
Pool B also produced two three-set results. Italy secured its second win, beating Cuba 3-0. Paola Egonu led with 12 points as her team stayed in control throughout. Belgium matched that result against Slovakia (25-19, 25-17, 25-18), with Britt Herbots standing out as the best scorer of the match, finishing with 21 points. With these results, both Italy and Belgium remain unbeaten, tied at the top of the group standings with six points each. Their consistency so far puts them in a strong position to progress from the pool.
The matches in Pool C were more competitive. Greece earned its first win by defeating Puerto Rico 3-1. Anthouli stood out as the best scorer of the day with 27 points, making the difference for her team. Brazil and France then went the full distance. France started strong, taking the opening two sets, but Brazil responded and eventually won 3-2. Gabi scored 18 points for Brazil, while Cazaute recorded 20 for France.
In Pool D, Czechia and Slovenia played one of the most even matches so far, with Czechia coming back from two sets down to win 3-2. Brancuska scored 24 points for the winners, while Sillah finished with 23 for Slovenia. Later, the USA defeated Argentina 3-1 to secure their second win and become the first team confirmed for the Round of 16. Middle blockers Dana Rettke and Chiaka Ogbogu led the scoring with 15 and 14 points. The Americans also controlled the net, outscoring Argentina in blocks by 15 to 6.
Elles DambrinkI really like that we kept a really good level. We prepared well, of course, with video, but we had to go out from our own game. I think we kept that really clean and you saw that we made it out really well, so I am happy
Dutch opposite
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)