Led by star player Wilfredo Leon, the world`s top-ranked Polish team secured their first-ever FIVB Men`s World Championship bronze medal by defeating Czechia in a thrilling third-place match held in the Philippines.
Poland achieved a significant milestone at the 2025 FIVB Men`s Volleyball World Championship in the Philippines, securing their inaugural bronze medal. In a hard-fought battle for third place against Czechia in Pasay City on Sunday, Poland emerged victorious in four sets. This historic bronze adds to their impressive record, which already includes three world titles and two silver medals. Later on Sunday, the championship title will be contested in a highly anticipated Southern European derby between Bulgaria and Italy, scheduled for 18:30 local time (10:30 UTC).
Wilfredo Leon, Poland`s star outside hitter, dominated the first set, scoring 11 points and giving the silver medalists from the previous championship an early lead. Poland carried this momentum into the second set, establishing a commanding 6-1 advantage, which they maintained until 14-9. At this point, Czechia, spearheaded by outside hitter Lukas Vasina, began a steady comeback. Vasina`s crucial spikes secured the set point and then converted it, tying the match. Vasina remained a key offensive force for Czechia in the third set. Despite committing numerous unforced errors, his team managed to erase a four-point Polish lead, leveling the score at 20-20. However, Polish substitute middle blocker Szymon Jakubiszak had an outstanding performance in this set, scoring two consecutive points to reach set point at 24-21. Leon then delivered the decisive strike, restoring Poland`s lead. Czechia fought valiantly in the fourth set, but after an initial 7-7 tie, Poland pulled ahead decisively, closing out the match with a 3-1 victory (25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21).
Poland`s victory was sealed by a crucial attacking error from Czechia. Unforced errors proved to be a decisive factor, with Czechia committing 35 compared to Poland`s 28. The top-ranked Polish team also edged out their opponents in other key scoring areas: 5-3 in service aces, 9-7 in block kills, and 49-48 in spike kills. Wilfredo Leon was the standout performer, contributing a match-high 26 points, including three block kills and 23 attack points with an impressive 64% success rate. Opposite Kewin Sasak added 11 points, highlighted by three aces. For Czechia, Patrik Indra also scored 11 points, all from attacks, while Lukas Vasina led his team with 19 points, including one block, achieving a 56% attack success rate.
“It`s always a battle. The opponent doesn`t matter because everyone in volleyball today has two or three players from strong clubs who can deliver an exceptional performance. That`s why I`m incredibly proud of my team!”
“We were heartbroken yesterday. Our expectations were much higher, given our hard work, the talent we possess, and our strong desire to reach another final. Recovering from that difficult loss was anything but easy. Therefore, I am immensely pleased that we managed to bounce back. I have truly fantastic players, and I am proud of each one of them. My hope is that we continue to bring a medal back to Poland every single time.”
Nikola Grbic, Poland`s Head Coach
Oliver Wrenwick