Missing their star hitter Nimir Abdel-Aziz, the Netherlands opens the scoring column for new and emerging core players in the FIVB Men's World Championship.
Count on the Netherlands to treat a setback like missing Nimir Abdel-Aziz for the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship as an opportunity to grow, flaunting a fresher lineup in their 14th appearance in the elite tournament.
Following a gutsy four-set win over Qatar in their Pool B opener on Saturday night, outside hitter Tom Koops said that they approach it with a positive mindset.
[READ: Nimir-less Netherlands stymie Qatar for winning start in FIVB Men’s World Championship]
“It’s a new chance. We won’t only depend now on just one amazing player because we really need to do this now as a team and together,” he said after scoring 17 points in the victory over Qatar.
“Sometimes, we just have so many that can step up per game that can bring us to our normal level that is good enough for us to excel.”
Next man up
Immediately in their opening game, it was evident that the Dutch weren’t about to roll over just because one of their leaders isn’t around.
Rather, a complete team effort propelled them past Qatar in a testy opening game, with four different players finishing in double-digit scoring for Netherlands.
The Netherlands had four players in double-digit scoring against Qatar. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
Among those joining Koops was fellow outside hitter Bennie Tuinstra who chipped in 15 points.
While acknowledging the effect that Nimir’s absence has had on the team, he said that the Dutch will need to shake it off, especially as they chase their first podium in the World Championship since 1994.
“Of course it's different when he's not here because he was our main leader in the group. Now other people have to step up and show that they can play as well,” said Tuinstra.
“I think we do a great job with that and I would describe the group as very energetic and very motivated,” he continued.
A significant chunk of players are seeing action in the Worlds for the first time.
As one of the leaders in the team, Tuinstra said that the whole squad is continuing to work well under new head coach Joel Banks.
“We have a group with a lot of young players and this is the first summer of really high level volleyball. But I think the group is adjusting to this level very quickly,” said Tuinstra.
“We have a lot of potential players and I think they are showing good things but also you can see they are not experienced. We are working on that and we are practicing hard. I think if we keep the concentration and focus on our own game and not on the opponent, we can show great things and we don't forget that.”
The young Dutch squad’s next test comes in the form of Romania whom they face on Monday, September 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 6:00 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.