Bulgaria marches on as Slovenia bows out in the Philippines
recap
Bulgaria and the United States both advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Pasay City on Monday. Bulgaria defeated Portugal in straight sets on their Independence Day, while the USA came from a set down to beat Slovenia 3-1 and secure their place among the last eight.
The match started in Bulgaria’s favour. They controlled the opening set from early on, and it was middle blocker Iliya Petkov who finished it off at 25-19.
Portugal pushed harder in the second set. They stayed close all the way to the end, but at 24-23 it was Asparuh Asparuhov who rose at the net and blocked to give Bulgaria the set, 25-23.
By the third, Bulgaria had full control. They went ahead quickly, kept the pressure on, and closed the match with a 25-13 score for a 3-0 victory (25-19, 25-23, 25-13).
Aleksandar Nikolov, just 21 years old, led all scorers with 19 points, made up of 17 attacks, one ace, and one block. For Portugal, José Lourenço fought to keep his team in the game and finished with 10 points, but it wasn’t enough.
Bulgaria’s victory not only secured a place among the final eight teams but also gave them a reason to celebrate a special day with an important win.
In the other match, Slovenia started strong and controlled the opening set. Led by outside hitter Toncek Štern, they stayed in front and closed it 25-19 to take an early lead.
The Americans responded in the second set. With stronger defence, they edged Slovenia 25-22 to level the match. From that point, the momentum shifted. The USA were sharper in attack during the third, winning 25-17, and kept the pressure on in the fourth. They secured the victory 25-20 to finish the match 3-1 (19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20) and book their place among the last eight.
Opposite Gabriel García led all scorers with 26 points, powering the USA throughout the match. Štern finished with 18 for Slovenia, but his effort could not extend their run in the tournament.
For Slovenia, this result brings their journey in the Philippines to a close.
With their victories, Bulgaria and the United States move on to meet in the quarterfinals. Bulgaria will look to build on the energy of their straight-sets win, while the USA will bring confidence from turning their match around against Slovenia. Only one will move on to the semifinals.