In a momentous achievement, the Turkiye men`s national volleyball team has advanced to their first-ever quarterfinal at an FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. This historic qualification came after a remarkable turnaround win against the Netherlands during the 2025 edition held in the Philippines.
The eighthfinal match, played on Saturday in Pasay City, saw Turkiye overcome an initial set deficit to defeat the Dutch team in four sets. Their next challenge will be against the winner of the second eighthfinal match between Poland and Canada, scheduled for later on Saturday.
Match Breakdown
The opening set proved to be the most intense, with Turkiye valiantly saving four set points before Bennie Tuinstra ultimately secured the set for the Netherlands. Undeterred, Turkiye rallied in the second set, maintaining a tight contest until 22-22, at which point they pulled ahead to even the match. Dominating the third set, they seized the lead. The fourth set began with a powerful 4-0 run for Turkiye, spearheaded by three aces from Efe Mandiraci, a lead they never relinquished. Mandiraci delivered the decisive point, sealing a 3-1 victory with set scores of 27-29, 25-23, 25-19, 25-19.
Key Performances
Turkiye showcased superior performance across all scoring categories: 12-5 in kill blocks, 8-4 in serving aces, and 59-56 in spike kills, while committing fewer unforced errors (22-23). Opposite hitter Adis Lagumdzija was exceptional, contributing a match-high 28 points, including two aces and a kill block, with an impressive 57% attack success rate. Efe Mandiraci, in addition to his three crucial aces in the fourth set, added a kill block and 11 attack kills, totaling 15 points. Mirza Lagumdzija contributed 13 points, including three blocks, and middle blocker Bedirhan Bulbul added another 12 points, featuring three blocks and three aces, alongside a remarkable 67% offensive success rate.
“This game was of historic importance for us, because we never made the last eight of a World Championship. So, we are really happy, we did an amazing job and I am proud of my team,” an elated Mandiraci stated after the game. “We learned to play together and that’s why we did a great job. I don’t want to talk too much, but again, I am proud of my team!”
For the Netherlands, opposite Michiel Ahyi led with 21 points, including one ace. Outside hitter Tom Koops also reached double digits with 14 points, including one block.
“We did give everything and I think we should be really proud of that. We walk out of here with our heads held high,” commented Ahyi. “We really tried everything, but today Turkiye was better. They were just better – I am going to leave it at that.”
Oliver Wrenwick