The Czech Republic achieved a historic milestone, advancing to the semifinals of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s U21 World Championship for the first time ever. They secured their spot by defeating Poland, maintaining an undefeated record. Joining them in the final four, following Friday`s quarterfinals at the Jiangmen Sports Center, were the equally unbeaten teams of the United States, Iran, and Italy.
Czechia`s Path to Semifinals
The Czech Republic`s historic advance was solidified by a 3-1 (25-13, 20-25, 25-21, 30-28) victory over Poland. Key to their success was opposite Tomas Brichta, who led with 20 points. Captain Matej Pastrnak added 16 points, and outside hitter Vojtech Pitner contributed 10. Middle blocker Jan Cerny was also instrumental at the net, providing nine points, including three crucial blocks, showcasing the team`s diversified offensive strategy.
Poland mounted a strong comeback in the second set, primarily fueled by opposite Wojciech Gajek`s impressive 28-point performance. He received support from outside hitters Jakub Kiedos (12 points) and Michal Grzyb (9 points), whose improved transition play helped Poland equalize the match.
Maintaining their composure through the critical final stages, the Czech team saw setter Adam Vitamvas expertly direct their offense, with Brichta and Pastrnak consistently converting points under pressure. With Cerny providing a solid defensive anchor at the net, Czechia secured the fourth set 30-28, preserving their undefeated streak and earning their historic spot in the semifinals.
Other Quarterfinal Highlights
The United States also advanced, overcoming a challenging five-set encounter against France with a 3-2 (21-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 15-12) victory. Sean Kelly was the top scorer for the USA with 21 points, followed by Cole Hartke with 19, and Trevell Jordan with 11. France remained competitive thanks to double-digit contributions from Adrien Roure, Joévin Wa-Bala, and Thomas Pujol. In the decisive fifth set, the USA`s strengthened block-defense system, combined with key points from Kelly and Hartke, ultimately sealed their win.
Iran delivered the only clean sweep of the quarterfinal matches, dominating China with a 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-14) victory. Seyed Matin Hosseini Tolouti and Taha Behboudnia were joint top scorers with 14 points each, supported by Armin Ghelichniazi`s 10 points. Iran`s formidable presence at the net, evidenced by 17 team blocks, effectively neutralized China. Li Hai was China`s leading scorer with 14 points, but it was not enough to secure a win.
Italy secured their semifinal berth with a 3-1 (25-18, 22-25, 25-18, 25-21) victory against Cuba. Tommaso Barotto led the Italian scoring with 20 points, Mati Pardo contributed 18, and Manuel Zlatanov added 17, collectively outperforming Cuba`s Daniel Martinez, who scored 24. After dropping the second set, Italy reasserted control through strong blocking and consistent service pressure, ultimately closing out the match.
Classification Matches (9-24)
9–16 Classification
In the 9–16 classification matches, Bulgaria narrowly defeated Kazakhstan 3-2 (25-19, 25-19, 21-25, 23-25, 15-9), recovering in the tie-break after squandering a two-set lead. Ukraine also secured a 3-1 (23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-18) victory over Türkiye, propelled by their improved middle blocking. Japan won a tough 3-2 (27-29, 25-16, 22-25, 25-19, 15-13) battle against Argentina, with key contributions from Taiki Shirono and Takuma Kawano. Similarly, Korea triumphed over Egypt 3-2 (28-26, 22-25, 28-30, 25-23, 15-12), largely due to Yun Gyeong`s impressive 26 points.
17–20 Classification
For the 17–20 classification, Canada secured a tight 3-2 (18-25, 25-20, 25-23, 22-25, 15-13) win against Thailand in a back-and-forth match, decided significantly by Félix-Antoine Perron`s 24 points. Brazil, after losing the second set, stabilized to defeat Indonesia 3-1 (25-20, 25-27, 25-19, 25-22), thanks to the combined performance of Bryan Lucas Alves da Silva and captain Martos Antonio Soares Neto.
21–24 Classification
In the 21–24 classification games, Colombia recovered from an initial deficit to beat Tunisia 3-1 (17-25, 25-20, 25-11, 25-18), with their strong blocking game changing the match`s momentum. Puerto Rico also mounted a comeback, defeating Morocco 3-1 (20-25, 30-28, 25-20, 25-21), largely fueled by Ramon Andres Rosado Pineda`s impressive 26 points.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood