Ukraine continues to demonstrate its place among the international volleyball elite in their debut appearance in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). On Thursday, the team moved closer to securing a spot in the tournament`s Final Phase.
Competing in Burgas, Bulgaria, the VNL newcomers dominated Türkiye, achieving a convincing 3-0 victory (25-11, 25-22, 25-21). This win propelled them into the qualification places for this year`s Final Phase.
Following their loss to Olympic champions France the previous day in Burgas, Ukraine earned three crucial points by sweeping Türkiye. Having won three of their first six VNL matches, they currently hold sixth place in the VNL standings with ten points. The top seven teams from the Preliminary Phase, along with hosts China, will advance to the Finals in Ningbo, scheduled from July 30 to August 3.
Outside hitter Dmytro Yanchuk delivered an exceptional performance for the winning side, contributing 19 points (18 kills, one ace). Opposite Vasyl Tupchii also had a significant impact, adding 16 points (13 kills, two blocks, one ace).
Middle blocker Oleksandr Koval commented, “Winning today was very important for us after losing yesterday. We are aiming for a spot in the Finals.”
Türkiye`s main offensive threat was outside hitter Efe Mandıracı, who scored 17 points (15 kills, two blocks).
In the other match held in Burgas that day, Japan defeated Olympic champions France in a thrilling five-set encounter, 3-2 (25-22, 19-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-11).
On Friday, Ukraine and Japan will face off in the first match at 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT), followed by Bulgaria vs. Slovenia at 19:30 (16:30 GMT).
Germany Rallies Against the Netherlands
In Belgrade, Germany overcame an early deficit to defeat the Netherlands 3-1 (24-26, 25-22, 25-21, 26-24). This marked their first win in the Serbian capital after a loss to Cuba on Wednesday.
Opposite Filip John led the scoring for Germany with 20 points (18 kills, one block, one ace). Outside hitter Tobias Brand and middle blocker Lukas Maase each added 12 points.
Middle blocker Simon Torwie stated, “We discussed extensively how we needed to improve after yesterday`s match. We aimed for more discipline within our system, and with assistance from the outside hitters, we were effective in trying to stop them. We wanted to play with greater spirit and energy, focusing more on winning than avoiding defeat. I believe we demonstrated that today.”
Despite the loss, the Netherlands featured the match`s highest scorer, opposite Michiel Ahyi, who finished with 22 points (17 kills, four blocks, one ace). Outside hitters Tom Koops and Bennie Tuinstra contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively.
With nine points (two wins, four losses), Germany is currently ranked 12th in the VNL 2025 standings. The Dutch team has secured only one win in their first six matches and is placed 16th with three points.
In the other match in Belgrade, Cuba defeated the home team 3-1 (22-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16).
On Friday, Argentina and Iran, who had a rest day Thursday, will play the first match at 16:30 local time (14:30 GMT). The Netherlands and Cuba will compete in the evening match, scheduled for 20:00 (18:00 GMT).
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick