Netherlands moved on the cusp of qualifying for the next phase in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship after beating Romania.
The Netherlands battled in three close sets against Romania before prevailing 25-23, 26-24, 26-24 in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Monday, Sept. 15.
The Dutch thus improved to 2-0 in Pool B action.
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In the first two sets, the Netherlands went back and forth with an equally determined Romania team that was reeling from a loss against World No. 1 Poland in their tournament opener.
During the opening frame, things were knotted at 23-all after an attack from Romania’s Bela Bartha.
But the Netherlands scored on back-to-back rallies punctuated by a block from Joris Berkhout to seize the advantage, 25-23.
Then in set 2, the Dutch pounced on a crucial error by Cristian-Daniel Chitigoi, which pushed the Netherlands to 24-23.
Though Romania was able to save one set point, another service error — this time from Bartha — gave the momentum right back to the Dutch.
Top scorer Michiel Ahyi was not to be denied the second time around as he finished off Romania to seize the 2-0 advantage in an extended second set, 26-24.
The two close calls built the Netherlands’ confidence as they continued to push in the third set to complete the sweep, even as Romania tied the set late at 20-all.
But the Netherlands would not be denied of the sweep.
The Dutch face world no. 1 Poland in their last game of the preliminaries Wednesday, September 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 6:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, Romania, on the brink of elimination, will seek to break through against Qatar earlier in the day at 10:30 a.m., also at the Big Dome.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter 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.