Egypt initiated their 2025 Men`s Volleyball World Championship journey with a dominant victory against Iran. Similarly, Belgium impressively overcame Ukraine, and Czechia triumphed over Serbia, concluding a successful day for teams benefiting from the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program.
Egypt`s Commanding Performance
At the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Egypt secured a 3-1 win (25-17, 16-25, 25-23, 25-20). Under the guidance of Italian coach Marco Bonitta, renowned for leading Italy`s women`s team to a world title in 2002, the Egyptian team demonstrated significant transformation in their gameplay, attributed to their growing experience and expert coaching. Ahmed Shafik (A.Said) led the scoring with 18 points, complemented by Abdelrahman Elhossiny Eissa`s 17 points. Egypt calmly recovered after dropping the second set to seal their victory.
Bonitta`s guidance has been integral to Egypt`s Empowerment initiative, introducing a successful methodology to a squad aspiring for greater international recognition. Their win against Iran underscored the team`s enhanced capacity to manage game fluctuations and perform effectively under pressure, skills that Egypt has diligently developed through ongoing support.
Belgium Stuns Ukraine
Meanwhile, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Belgium delivered a surprise performance by defeating higher-ranked Ukraine in three straight sets (25-16, 25-17, 25-22). Participating in the tournament prior to their inaugural Volleyball Nations League season, the Belgians displayed remarkable composure, excelling in all aspects with 40 attacks, 10 blocks, and six aces, while keeping errors to a minimum of only 15 across the three sets.
Their defense was crucial. Accumulating 62 digs, Belgium effectively disrupted Ukraine`s play and capitalized on defensive stops by converting them into transition points. This blend of skill and discipline highlights the positive influence of Empowerment support, equipping the team with the necessary resources and readiness to compete against formidable adversaries and succeed globally.
Ferre Reggers, the opposite hitter, spearheaded the attack with 23 points, comprising 20 kills and three aces. He was supported by Seppe Rotty with 13 points and captain Sam Deroo with 12 points, including nine spikes and three blocks. Post-match, Reggers attributed their victory to extensive preparation:
“It’s a crazy game. We worked the whole summer for this game. We did it at the right moment, and we did it with the right attitude, energy, focus and preparation.”
Captain Sam Deroo contextualized the team`s performance, emphasizing the potential of their young roster. He stated:
“We have a very young team and only three players are from the 90s. It’s good for the future. Next year we play the VNL. This is just the start for the new generation of the Belgian national team, and I am just going to hop on the wagon for a little bit longer.”
Czechia`s Decisive Win
Adding to the day`s surprising outcomes, Czechia secured a clean 3-0 sweep (25-22, 25-23, 25-20) against Serbia at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Patrik Indra, playing as opposite, was the leading scorer with 14 points, while outside hitters Lukas Vasina and Jan Galabov contributed 13 and nine points, respectively, ensuring a well-rounded offensive display.
The Czech team demonstrated consistent performance across all aspects of the game, executing 45 attacks and maintaining pressure on Serbia during the crucial final moments of each set. Their effective blocking and serving proved pivotal, and their calm demeanor in critical situations prevented Serbia from extending rallies. This decisive straight-sets victory over an experienced European team served as a strong statement of intent from coach Jiri Novak`s squad, granting them early command of Pool H.
Empowerment Program Delivers Results
For Egypt, Belgium, and Czechia, these victories represent more than just game scores. They exemplify how the Volleyball Empowerment program is enabling these nations to effectively contend with formidable opponents and convert received support into tangible success on the volleyball court.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood