All for one, one for all mentality for World No. 1 Poland as it claims its spot in the Round of 16 in the FIVB Men's World Championship.
World No. 1 Poland will need all hands on deck as it heads into the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
The Poles dealt Qatar Sunday, Sept. 15, a 25-21, 25-14, 25-19 beatdown in just 69 minutes — an easy match that allowed them to shuffle their players and maximize their roster.
In the opening set, their starting core connived to put the world powerhouse ahead. They later gave the chance to their younger players to come out and play.
A total of nine different players scored for Poland in the match, with Kamil Semeniuk leading the way with 13 markers. Reigning VNL Most Valuable Player Jakub Kochanowski added eight points.
[RELATED STORY: World No. 1 Poland smothers Qatar, clinches Round of 16 berth in FIVB World Championship]
Every Pole plays a role
Kochanowski may have shared a piece of the spotlight, but he underscored team effort as Poland targets a deep run in the tournament.
To do just that, his squad will need everyone they can count on.
“We are a team that wants to go far in this tournament, and everybody is putting something to make it happen. I just play a small role in this team, and everybody is equally needed to succeed in the tournament,” said Kochanowski.
Kamil Semeniuk stars for Poland against Qatar in the FIVB Men's World Championship Sunday, Sept. 15. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
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Next in their way is fellow unbeaten team The Netherlands, their final foe in the pool stage.
With both teams already assured of their place in the next round, the match will decide the final standings in the group and will also determine their matchups for the next round.
Match is set Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao at 6 p.m.
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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.