World No. 1 Poland had an extended opening set against Romania in their first match of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Even world no. 1s get first game jitters.
Poland struggled to find its footing early before regaining composure in the last two frames against Romania in Pool B action, taking a 34-32, 25-15, 25-19 win in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
The 2022 silver medalists needed 38 minutes in the opening set to stave off world no. 21 Romanians, with crucial errors prolonging Poland’s agony in their first taste of action in Manila.
[READ: World No. 1 Poland bucks slow start to outclass Romania in FIVB World Championship opener]
After the match, Poland skipper Bartosz Kurek said that they struggled with first day nerves.
“No, it’s you know, you start the very important tournament, you have the jitters, you have the nerves. It will get to anybody, even to our team, which I consider pretty experienced,” admitted Kurek.
“So, yeah, it’s just that. You have to calm yourself, come back to what you are doing every day in the practice and that’s what you did.”
Going up against an upset-minded Romania, Poland made crucial miscues that gave their opponents momentum in the extended set — including service errors in the most pivotal moments of the opener.
An overreach call on Tomasz Fornal even gave Romania set point, 32-31.
Fortunately for Poland, a successful challenge call in the next rally kept their bid alive before Kurek and Jakub Kochanowski finished the job to cap off a 3-0 run to end the set.
Pressure is privilege
Part and parcel of acknowledging Poland's first game jitters was also the acceptance that expectations from fans and supporters will always be high.
As world no. 1, Poland is currently the standard for men’s volleyball — especially after winning the 2025 Volleyball Nations League.
After taking some time to regain their bearings, Poland looked unstoppable in Sets 2 and 3, hardly letting Romania threaten significantly after that lengthy first set. For Kurek, it was proof that the Poles can take anything that is thrown at them.
“I think it’s high praise, and it’s a privilege to be considered favorites, it’s a privilege to play under this kind of pressure. It’s not super easy but I believe in myself, I believe in my team if one team can handle that, it’s us,” he said.
Poland are heavy favorites in their group as World No. 1 and reigning VNL champions. | Photo: RM Chua / One Sports
Kurek was the second leading scorer for Poland with his 13 markers built off of 10 attacks, two blocks, and one ace.
Wilfredo Leon was the team’s highest scorer with 14 points in a game that saw nine different Poland players contribute on offense.
Robert Aciobanitei paced Romania in the challenge against the Pole powerhouses with 11 markers.
Poland tests their mettle anew when they gun for a 2-0 start against Qatar on Monday, September 15, at 9:30 p.m. also at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Romania, for their part, seeks a bounce back against the Netherlands earlier that day at 6:00 p.m. at the same venue.
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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.