Defending champions France delivered a thrilling five-set victory against Japan, while Pakistan, Bulgaria, and Finland impressively sustained their undefeated streaks at the Boys’ U19 World Championship in Tashkent.
At the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Boys’ U19 World Championship in Tashkent, France orchestrated a stunning comeback, overcoming a two-set deficit to triumph over Japan in a captivating five-set match on Monday. This thrilling contest unfolded alongside the continued dominance of Pakistan, Bulgaria, and Finland, who all maintained their perfect records as the fourth day of pool play wrapped up, setting the stage for the crucial latter half of the group stage at Yunnusobod Hall and the Sport University Center.
The reigning champions displayed remarkable resilience, securing a reverse sweep victory with a 3-2 (33-35, 23-25, 25-21, 25-19, 17-15) scoreline against Japan. The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with Japan initially seizing control by narrowly winning a lengthy first set 35-33, followed by a tight two-point lead in the second. Japan`s offense was largely driven by opposite hitter Karen Masajedi, who scored an impressive 34 points (31 attacks), with support from Sowa Maeda (18 points) and Ken Jasmir Ahmad Farooq (10 points).
France, however, dramatically shifted the tide, employing superior blocking and a more diversified attack strategy. Adelin Nowaczyk contributed 28 points and Andrej Jokanovic 26, spearheading the comeback, while captain Noa Dufflos Rossi chipped in 17 points. France`s net defense was formidable, tallying 17 blocks, many effectively neutralizing Masajedi on the right flank. In the decisive fifth set, France overcame a late point deficit, leveled the score at 15, and then sealed their incredible comeback with a crucial attack and a final Japanese error.
Pool A Highlights
Meanwhile, in Pool A, Pakistan maintained their impeccable record as the sole team in the tournament not to have lost a single set. They secured a decisive 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-17) victory over Puerto Rico. This dominant performance was highlighted by Muhammad Yahya`s 22 points, as Pakistan showcased overall superiority in attacking, blocking, and serving, preserving their perfect streak.
Image: Pakistan captain led with 22 points against Puerto Rico to keep his team`s perfect record.
Belgium also secured their third win in four matches, defeating Türkiye 3-1 (25-14, 20-25, 25-19, 25-12). The combined offensive power of Jannes Strobbe, Guilhem Hubert, and Joppe Rauwoens, who collectively scored 50 points, proved too strong for Turkey, whose offense largely depended on Ata Ünver`s 21 points.
Argentina rebounded strongly from their last loss, achieving a 3-1 (25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 25-15) victory against host nation Uzbekistan. This win was significantly powered by Federico Javier Debonis and Samuel Guidi Correa, who together amassed 36 points. Despite the enthusiastic home crowd, Argentina excelled in both blocking and attacking, outperforming their opponents.
Pool B Highlights
In Pool B, Bulgaria continued their undefeated run, sweeping Canada 3-0 (25-17, 25-23, 25-21). Zhasmin Velichkov was the leading scorer with 14 points, and the team`s disciplined play, marked by minimal errors, allowed them to maintain control throughout the match.
Image: Bulgaria control Pool B with four victories.
China secured their third victory of the tournament with a convincing 3-0 (25-21, 25-16, 25-20) performance against Algeria. Ding Haochen and Yu Xiang each contributed 11 points, as China established a 20-point advantage in attacks and outperformed the North African team across all crucial statistical categories.
Pool C Highlights
In Pool C, Italy inflicted Spain`s first defeat, emerging victorious in a tough 3-1 (22-25, 31-29, 25-17, 29-27) battle. Manuel Zlatanov spearheaded Italy`s offense with 28 points, ably supported by Federico Argano and Jacopo Tosti. Although Spain recorded more attacks, Italy`s impressive 13 blocks were crucial in thwarting Cesar Irache, who nonetheless ended the match with 27 points.
Iran also ascended to the top of their pool standings, achieving a clean 3-0 (25-16, 25-22, 25-20) sweep against Egypt, primarily driven by the strong performances of Mohammad Amin Rahimi and Seyed Hossein Zamani Kelarijan.
Poland successfully broke their losing streak with a 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-17) win over Tunisia. This victory was partly aided by an injury sustained by Tunisia`s Yahiya Jemai in the second set. Maksymilian Lyson was a standout performer, contributing 28 points.
Colombia secured their inaugural tournament win in a hard-fought five-set thriller against Cuba, ending 3-2 (26-24, 25-18, 16-25, 17-25, 16-14). Maicol Isaac Ortiz Castañeda was pivotal to this victory, scoring 27 points through 20 attacks, six blocks, and an ace. While Alessandro Gonzalez Fuentes added 19 points for Cuba, Colombia`s impressive 20 blocks ultimately proved decisive in the match`s closing moments.
Brazil ended their two-match losing streak with a dominant 3-0 (25-21, 25-22, 25-22) sweep against the United States, bringing their record to an even 2-2. Diogo dos Anjos, Lucas Righi, and Lucas Perrut da Silva collectively amassed 36 points, and Brazil`s disciplined play, characterized by minimal errors, ensured they remained in control. Diogo and Lucas da Silva further contributed with three and five blocks, respectively. For the American side, Grant Lamoreux was the highest scorer with 13 points.
In a highly anticipated showdown between two previously undefeated teams, Finland narrowly defeated Korea in a dramatic five-set encounter, securing a 3-2 (25-20, 14-25, 20-25, 25-19, 23-21) victory. Despite Korea leading for most of the final set, Finland demonstrated incredible resolve, capitalizing on late errors to clinch the win. Viktor Viljamaa delivered an explosive performance, tallying 31 points (28 kills, two blocks, and an ace). Lee Junho and Bang Kangho led Korea with 22 and 15 points respectively, but Finland`s critical blocks in the decisive moments ultimately secured their triumph.
Image: Viktor Viljamaa had a 31-point performance that closed Day 4 of the Boys` U19 World Championship.
Jasper Thornfield