Patrik Indra called Czechia’s first World Championship semifinal berth in 55 years "incredible moments" as the underdog squad continues to live its dream run in Manila.
History is alive again for Czech volleyball.
Czechia advanced to its first FIVB Men’s World Championship semifinals as an independent nation after a stirring four-set triumph over Iran, 22-25, 27-25, 25-20, 25-23, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, September 25.
The win marked Czechia’s first Top 4 finish in 55 years, dating back to the country’s days as part of Czechoslovakia, a two-time World Champion.
“Incredible moments”
Star opposite Patrik Indra, who led the way with 22 points, couldn’t hide his pride after carrying Czechia to the breakthrough.
“Just incredible moments for us, for Czech volleyball, for our country,” Indra said. “Really tough game from the start, we were under big pressure in the first two sets.
“It was really hard to finish the game, but we did.”
From near exit to Final Four
Czechia’s road to the semifinals has been anything but easy. The team nearly bowed out in Pool H before rallying late to survive.
“All this championship is about small things,” Indra explained. “You need to play all the time good, without big mistakes, that’s the most important. And after, you know, just to play a good quality game. That’s it.”
Patrik Indra during Czechia's four-set win over Iran in the FIVB Men's World Championship quarterfinals. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Still, the Czechs fully embraced their underdog status, using it as fuel.
“For sure it’s always a little bit easier to play like underdogs,” Indra said. “We already made big success when we advanced from the group. And now we are just living our dreams.”
Bigger than volleyball
Beyond the semifinals, Indra believes this run is inspiring an entire nation.
“Maybe first time in my career I feel the support not just from volleyball fans, but all kinds of people in Czech Republic,” he said.
“We are a country of ice hockey, a country of football, but not that big in volleyball. Now I feel really good about that, because maybe we will become idols for the small kids — and that’s really important for us.”
[ALSO READ: Jan Galabov hopes Czechia's historic FIVB Worlds run inspires volleyball back home]
With momentum on their side, Czechia will now wait for the winner of the USA–Bulgaria quarterfinal later Thursday night to determine their semifinal opponent.
Regardless of what happens next, Indra and company have already carved out a place in history, giving Czechia its best World Championship finish since 1986 — and its first as an independent nation.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.