Japan secured its fourth consecutive victory at the 2025 FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship in Jiangmen, leading a strong group of undefeated teams including Czechia, USA, Iran, Poland, and Italy. Discover the key highlights from Day 4`s thrilling matches.
Japan continued its formidable run at the 2025 FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship in Jiangmen, securing a fourth consecutive victory on Day 4. They lead a formidable group of undefeated nations, which also includes Czechia, the United States, Iran, Poland, and Italy, all extending their impressive winning streaks at the tournament.
Japan Dominates Colombia, Sets Up Clash with Czechia
Japan solidified its position atop Pool C with a commanding 3-0 (25-16, 25-11, 25-14) sweep against Colombia. The Japanese team quickly established control in every set, preventing the South American squad from finding their rhythm. Their potent offense and well-structured blocking allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the match. Shunta Ono and Kai Yamamoto spearheaded Japan`s attack, contributing 12 and 11 points respectively, consistently breaching Colombia`s defense. The team`s overall performance showcased precise transition play, effective serving, disciplined blocking, and tenacious floor defense – hallmarks of their campaign thus far. Colombia`s key scorer, Maicol Ortiz, was effectively contained by Japan`s defense, managing only 10 points. This decisive straight-sets victory highlights Japan`s consistent dominance, setting the stage for an anticipated showdown against unbeaten Czechia for the Pool C leadership.
Czechia`s Defense Shines Against Bulgaria
Czechia maintained its perfect record with a solid 3-0 (25-22, 25-16, 25-19) win over Bulgaria. Despite a tight first set where Bulgaria challenged, Czechia`s composure and strategic play in crucial moments allowed them to take the lead. As the match progressed, the Czech team`s superior blocking and defense became increasingly dominant, especially in the second set, enabling them to control rallies and extend their advantage. Defensive prowess was central to Czechia`s success, highlighted by 53 digs that frequently led to successful counterattacks. Their disciplined play, marked by only 18 errors compared to Bulgaria`s 33, proved pivotal in dictating the match tempo. Thomas Brichta was a standout performer for Czechia, scoring 15 points with 13 kills and two blocks, outshining Bulgarian captain Aleksandar Kandev, who managed 11 points but struggled against the Czech block. Ultimately, Czechia`s well-rounded defense, combining strong net presence with effective back-row coverage, secured their victory.
United States Overcomes China in Key Pool A Battle
In a significant Pool A encounter between previously undefeated teams, the United States emerged victorious, defeating host nation China 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 25-21, 25-18). After letting the first set slip away despite early opportunities, the Americans regrouped, showcasing sharper execution to win the second and third sets, building crucial momentum. By the fourth set, the U.S. team was in firm command, concluding the match with confidence and inflicting China`s first loss of the tournament. Sean Kelly and Cole Hartke were instrumental, scoring 19 and 18 points respectively, and contributing significantly to the team`s 15 blocks. Tread Rosenthal also added three blocks. The U.S. dominated at the net, complemented by 51 successful attacks and five aces. While Li Hai (16 points) and Wang Bohan (13 points) led China, the American advantage in blocking and overall rotational balance ultimately proved decisive.
Iran and Poland Extend Undefeated Streaks in Pool B
Defending champions Iran continued their flawless run in Pool B, securing a fourth consecutive victory with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-14, 25-22) sweep against Canada. Iran controlled the match from the outset, demonstrating attacking efficiency and disciplined execution with minimal errors. After repelling an initial Canadian challenge in the first set, Iran escalated their performance, dominating the second set before sealing a closer third set. Ariyan Mahmoudi Nejad led Iran with 14 points, supported by Shayan Mehrabi`s 11, their balanced offense and solid blocking proving critical. For Canada, Daniil Hershtynovich was the primary scorer with 13 points, but his team struggled to find consistency against Iran`s well-organized play.
Poland also extended its winning streak to four, achieving a 3-0 (25-21, 25-21, 25-22) sweep over Kazakhstan. The Polish team showcased remarkable composure under pressure, consistently closing out closely contested sets with discipline. While their attack volume might not have surpassed Kazakhstan`s, Poland`s superior net defense and efficient play, resulting in only 15 unforced errors, allowed them to maintain a significant advantage. Wojciech Gajek paced Poland with 15 points, ably supported by Bartlomiej Potrykus with 12. Kazakhstan saw strong performances from Assylkhan Izbergenuly (15 points) and Klim Ryukhov (14 points), but they ultimately couldn`t overcome Poland`s balanced team play and clutch execution in critical moments.
Italy Remains Unbeaten in Pool D
Completing the roster of undefeated teams, Italy secured a dominant 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25-18) victory against Tunisia in Pool D. The Italians dictated the pace throughout the match, calmly fending off any Tunisian attempts to rally and consistently preventing their opponents from building momentum. Their unwavering consistency in both attack and serving enabled them to control the game entirely. Italy recorded 42 successful attacks, five blocks, and eight aces. Manuel Zlatanov led the charge with 14 points (13 kills, 1 ace), with Pardo Mati adding 12 points (8 attacks, 1 block, 3 aces). Abdkarim Frikha was Tunisia`s highest scorer with just seven points. Italy`s comprehensive performance showcased their squad depth and firmly established them as the sole undefeated team in their pool.
Additional Day 4 Highlights
In other Pool A action, Egypt displayed remarkable resilience, staging a comeback to defeat Türkiye 3-2 (26-24, 22-25, 14-25, 25-17, 18-16). After an even start, Türkiye took a decisive lead with a dominant third set. However, Egypt mounted a strong comeback in the fourth set (25-17) to force a tie-break. The final set was a nail-biter, with both teams exchanging points until Egypt`s blocking proved decisive. Captain Hamza Awad (Elsafy) was instrumental with 27 points, supported by Ibrahim Abdelmaksood (Meme) who contributed six blocks. Mahmoud Abdelbaki (Houda) also added 15 points, helping the African team clinch a hard-fought victory over Türkiye, despite Yilmaz Uner`s impressive 25-point performance.
Thailand celebrated its inaugural victory of the tournament, achieving a convincing 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-21) sweep against Morocco. The Asian team dominated from start to finish, largely thanks to a stellar performance by opposite Christopher Arli Upakam, who recorded 22 points (18 kills, 3 blocks, 1 ace). Captain Kittipong Sangsak also contributed significantly with 17 points, including four aces, as Thailand`s relentless attack and serving pressure proved too much for Morocco. With a total of 43 kills, 11 aces, and only 13 errors, Thailand`s precise and aggressive play kept Morocco on the defensive, despite 12 points each from Hicham Masmoudi and Moutaouakil Said.
In Pool B, Korea found its stride, securing a crucial 3-1 (25-17, 20-25, 25-16, 25-17) victory over Puerto Rico, enhancing their prospects for the Round of 16. Although both teams matched each other with 41 kills, Korea`s decisive advantage came from their strong net defense and serving game. They out-blocked Puerto Rico 11-6 and served five aces to two, while committing only 26 errors compared to Puerto Rico`s 38. Park Wooyoung led Korea with 15 points (11 kills, 3 blocks, 1 ace), and Yun Seojin added 10 points to seal the win.
Also in Pool B, Cuba ended a two-match losing streak with a commanding 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-20) win against Brazil, revitalizing their campaign with a strong all-around performance. After narrowly taking the first set, the Cubans asserted control, showcasing 44 kills, 11 blocks, and three aces that Brazil struggled to counter. Carlos Javier Pereira Larea led Cuba with an impressive 20 points, including 18 kills, while Daniel Martinez contributed 19 points through attacks, blocks, and an ace. Brazil`s offense remained subdued, with no player reaching more than seven points in the straight-set defeat.
France made a strong comeback in Pool D, overcoming Ukraine 3-1 (25-20, 25-23, 20-25, 25-17). Displaying resilience in the closely contested initial sets, France then secured a comfortable win. Ukraine fought hard, even taking the third set with a spirited performance. However, France responded decisively in the fourth set, elevating their play to comfortably close out the match. Adrien Roure was key to France`s victory with 15 points (13 attacks, 2 blocks), supported by Thomas Pujol`s 12 points. Maksym Tonkonoh led Ukraine with 16 points, but France`s overall balance and composure in critical moments ultimately made the difference.
Argentina concluded the day with a hard-fought 3-2 (23-25, 27-25, 23-25, 25-20, 15-13) victory over Indonesia, marking their second win of the tournament. The South Americans powered their comeback with 71 attack points, notably from Fausto Diaz (27 points) and Iñaki Ramos (20 points). Dawuda Alaihimas Salam`s match-high 30 points kept Indonesia competitive, but after four incredibly close sets, Argentina`s sharper focus in the tie-break`s decisive moments ultimately secured them the win.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick