The Dutch held match point in Set 3 before relinquishing the extended period to Qatar in a four-set duel in Pool B at the FIVB Men’s World Championships.
Netherlands head coach Joel Banks admitted that his team dipped in intensity in a pivotal point during their match against Qatar in Pool B of the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.
This after the world no. 19 team scored a four set victory, 25-18, 25-23, 26-28, 25-23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday night.
The Dutch spikers held match point in the third set, 26-25, after Michiel Ahyi scored in a nip-and-tuck affair.
But a service error right after left the door ajar for Qatar who pounced on the chance.
Qatari top-scorer Youssef Oughlaf scored on a block point to put his team at set point before another error from the Dutch side effectively extended the match to a fourth set, 28-26.
After the match, Banks said that the third set was a bit of a let down for his team after a more disciplined approach to the first two sets — including the opener which they dominated, 25-18.
[READ: Nimir-less Netherlands stymie Qatar for winning start in FIVB Men’s World Championship]
“I think [we have to give] credit to Qatar. They defend really, really well. I felt that my team maybe slipped down in intensity [in the third set],” Banks told One Sports.
“But that’s also as a result of the good quality volleyball from Qatar.”
Despite the Netherlands taking the victory in four sets, Qatar could’ve easily forced the fifth set decider when they inched closer late in the fourth set, 23-24, coming off of an attack by Papemaguette Diagne.
Fortunately for Banks’ team, they were able to regain their bearings and play with a sense of urgency.
“After that [loss in Set 3], it was a matter of understanding the game and what we do well to be successful. And I think we started the set four with a great intensity,” he said.
‘Game with mistakes’
Bennie Tuinstra finished with 15 points to be one of four Dutch players in double-digit scoring. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
Among the keys to victory for the Netherlands against Qatar was outside hitter Bennie Tuinstra who ended up with 15 points — one of four Dutch players who finished with double-digit scoring in the hard-fought victory in Pool B.
Not one to dwell on their mistakes but rather learn from them, Tuinstra brushed off their miscues in Set 3 — especially since crucial errors were key to Qatar’s victory in that canto.
“It's always hard to lose this set. But this is volleyball, it's a game with mistakes,” Tuinstra told the media after the match.
“Like I said, we had to keep the concentration in the fourth set and that's what we did, and that's good,” he added.
Tuinstra played supporting role to Ahyi’s game-high 20 points, while Tom Koops chipped in with 17 markers.
Oughlaf was the bright spot for Qatar with 17 points while Ribiero Renan added 11.
The Netherlands, who are gunning for their first podium finish in Worlds since 1994, will face Romania next on Monday, September 15 at 6 p.m. still at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Qatar, meanwhile, faces the uphill battle of seeking a bounce back win against world no. 1 poland also on Monday at the same Quezon City venue at 9:30 p.m.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | 32 teams compete in 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship]
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.