This critical European showdown in Pasay City determined the second team to progress from Pool E.
Slovenia secured a vital victory in what was effectively the first elimination match of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men`s World Championship. They overcame Germany in a decisive pool play encounter on Wednesday, earning their place in the tournament`s Round of 16.
The two European rivals met in the final stages of pool play, vying for the remaining qualification spot from Pool E, alongside the already-qualified Bulgaria. It was the Slovenians who clinched their progression, triumphing 3-1 (25-21, 17-25, 31-29, 25-22) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
This victory boosted Slovenia`s total to seven points in the pool, with two wins and one loss, securing second place behind the undefeated Bulgaria. Bulgaria amassed eight points from three victories after their 3-0 (25-17, 25-12, 25-12) win against Chile earlier on Wednesday. Germany finished third with three points (one win, two losses), while Chile concluded their second World Championship appearance without managing to win a set or a point.
The Štern brothers played a pivotal role in Slovenia`s success against the Germans. Opposite Tonček spearheaded the team`s attack with an impressive 18 points (15 kills, three blocks), while outside hitter Žiga contributed another 16 points (13 kills, two aces, one block). Nik Mujanović, once again deployed as an outside hitter, also registered 16 points, stemming from 14 kills and two aces.
“I think the pressure we exerted with our serves on Germany was very important today,” Mujanović commented after the match. “We didn`t start exceptionally well in that aspect but significantly improved throughout the game. I felt we maintained consistency and performed effectively in counter-attacks too, making it a generally good match for us.”
For Germany, Erik Röhrs was the top scorer across both teams with 22 points (18 kills, three aces, one block), and fellow outside hitter Tobias Brand added 14 points, comprising 11 kills, two aces, and one block.
German head coach Michał Winiarski shared his reflections: “I believe we played our best match of the tournament today. We had opportunities, similar to our first match against Bulgaria, and in both instances, we lost sets that went into overtime, which I consider decisive. However, I have nothing but praise for the team. They gave their utmost effort and fought relentlessly until the end. I hope the lessons we learned today will benefit us moving forward.”
In a remarkably balanced contest, neither team managed to outscore their opponent by more than three points in any key category. Slovenia held a slight advantage in kills (56 to 54) and blocks (12 to nine), while Germany had the upper hand in aces (seven to five) and opponent errors (27 to 25).
Slovenia is now scheduled to face the United States, winners of Pool D, in the Round of 16 on Monday, also in Pasay City.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Jasper Thornfield