Serbia stumbled at the start of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025, but when the pressure mounted, Dražen Luburic and Co. rose from the ashes and stormed into the Round of 16.
It’s not how you start, but how you finish.
Serbia has taken that mantra to heart—and now finds itself moving on at the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025.
After stumbling out of the gate with an opening loss, the Serbians regrouped and strung together back-to-back victories — the latest with a stunning sweep of world no. 2 Brazil, 25-22, 25-20, 25-22, to punch their ticket to the Round of 16.
[ALSO READ: Serbia drops upset axe on world no. 2 Brazil to advance to FIVB Worlds Round of 16]
No choice but the "hard way"
“We chose, I guess, the hard way but we made it through,” star spiker Dražen Luburic after pouring 19 points to lead his squad.
Outside hitter Pavle Peric added 15 points of his own as Serbia became the first squad in Pool E to progress into the knockout phase.
Much-needed wake-up call
Dražen then credited the team’s earlier loss to Czechia as the turning point in their run.
“I’m not sure that we would not perform this well if we won against Czechia [earlier]. It’s not that I’m underestimating Czechia and I think they're a great team, but it’s just we didn’t fight on that day,” he shared.
[ALSO READ: Indra thrilled as Czechia stuns Serbia in FIVB Worlds: 'Waited for this for a long time']
Luburic continued: “I think [the reason we lost against them] is the lack of rest as we're [one] of the last teams to come in the Philippines. We’re just as physically and mentally exhausted [during that match],” he said.
Serbia was all smiles after shocking Brazil in straight sets in Pool H play of FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025 | Photo: Volleyball World
Brazil, meanwhile, struggled to find answers, with only Alan Souza reaching double figures at 10 points.
Once seen as surefire contenders after two quick wins, the three-time champions now face an uncertain path, their hopes hinging on the Czechia-China clash later at 9:00 p.m.
—
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.