The European team demonstrated exceptional grit, overcoming China in an intense five-set battle to secure their place in the semifinals, where they will next confront Italy.
Match Highlights & Analysis
Drawing upon the electrifying support of over 10,000 passionate home fans, the Polish national women`s volleyball team displayed incredible fortitude to reverse the course of their match against China in the Volleyball Nations League 2025 quarterfinals on Wednesday. This pivotal victory ensures their presence in the tournament`s final four for an impressive third successive year.
Competing at the Atlas Arena in Łódź, Poland found themselves behind twice in the tightly contested encounter. However, their unwavering determination saw them rally to clinch a hard-fought 3-2 (17-25, 25-20, 19-25, 25-19, 15-12) win, earning them a well-deserved spot in the Final Four.
Poland is now scheduled to compete against the reigning champions, Italy, in the semifinals this Saturday. Italy secured their spot earlier on Wednesday with a dominant sweep over the United States. The remaining quarterfinal matchups are set for Thursday, featuring Japan against Türkiye at 16:30 local time (14:30 GMT) and Brazil clashing with Germany at 20:00 (18:00 GMT).
Player Spotlights
Ranked fourth after the Preliminary Phase, Poland`s success was significantly propelled by the stellar performance of their standout opposite hitter, Magdalena Stysiak. The 24-year-old, standing at an imposing 2.03 meters, was the primary offensive force, contributing 25 points through 22 successful attacks and three blocks.
The European squad benefited from a collective effort, with several players making key contributions to their memorable comeback. Outside hitters Czyrniańska (16 points), Martyna Łukasic (11), and Paulina Damaske (11), along with middle blocker and team captain Agnieszka Korneluk (13), all played crucial roles.
Magdalena Stysiak commented on the team`s achievement: “This was truly an incredible team victory. Everyone who entered the game provided significant help to the team, and that is extremely important for us. All 14 players are capable of contributing, and everyone gives their maximum effort every day, regardless of whether they are on the court or not. We are simply one large team, and that is extraordinary.”
On the Chinese side, the offensive responsibilities were mainly shared by outside hitters Wu Wengjie, who matched Stysiak`s output with 25 points (23 kills, one block, one ace), and Zhuang Yushan, who added 20 points, comprising 18 kills, one block, and one ace.
Wu Wengjie reflected on the match: “We will need to review this match again to identify our mistakes and work on correcting them. We made the most of every chance we had to play against the world`s top teams in the VNL, which proved highly beneficial for our young squad. Now, our focus shifts to preparing to showcase our best performance at the upcoming World Championship.”
Statistical Overview
Poland’s blocking proved decisive at critical junctures, giving the Europeans a clear advantage, as they outblocked China 15 to 11. They also served more aces, 5 to 2. China, however, had a slight edge in successful attacks (64 to 63) and capitalized more on opponent errors (24 to 18).
Historical Context
This hard-earned comeback victory propels Poland into the VNL semifinals for the third consecutive season. The European team has a history of medaling in recent VNL tournaments, having secured bronze on both occasions in 2023 and 2024.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick