The Netherlands is on the verge of qualifying for the next round in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship with its win over Romania.
The Netherlands showcased its perseverance as a team when it subdued Romania, 25-23, 26-24, 26-24, in their Pool B contest in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Monday, Sept. 15.
Despite the sweep, it was a tight-knit affair that lasted more than an hour and half.
All sets were decided by just two points, with the third one even extending anew after Romania was able to save one match point, 24-all.
In the end, the Dutch spikers leaned on their mental strength as they held on by their teeth against the equally capable Romanians.
Save for the third set, the Netherlands played catch-up against Romania.
“I think, for sure today, it's the fighting spirit that makes us able to take a win, where, maybe, other teams would have started doubting themselves and split apart,” said Michiel Ahyi, who finished with 19 points in the victory.
“We really stuck together today. So that's definitely the reason why we won today.”
In Set 2, Netherlands fought back from being down by as much as four points, 12-16, after an ace from Cristian-Daniel Chitigoi.
Netherlands: Different team, same plan
With one more game on their schedule against World No. 1 Poland, the Dutch aim to replicate their success and score a huge upset over the Poles.
“I think, the approach is to play freely and to do exactly what we did today: that no matter what score, we try to play our best volleyball and we stick together,” said Ahyi.
“And if we can achieve that in the game against Poland, then, I think, we can go on to the next round with a lot of confidence,” he continued.
Ahyi was supported by Tom Koops who finished with 13 points in the victory that helped Netherlands improve to 2-0.
Tom Koops was the other Dutch player in double digit scoring against Romania in the FIVB Men's World Championship Monday, Sept. 15. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Meanwhile, Bela Bartha topscored for the Romanians who stayed winless in two outings.
The Dutch return to action Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum against Poland at 6 p.m.
Romania faces Qatar earlier at 10:30 a.m. in the same venue, seeking to pocket its first win of the tournament.
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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.