Czechia looks to cap its historic campaign with a first-ever podium finish as it battles world no. 1 Poland for bronze at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship.
Czechia will aim to crown its breakthrough run with a medal when it battles world no. 1 Poland in the bronze match of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship on Sunday, September 28, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Czechs fell short of a Finals berth after a four-set loss to Bulgaria in the semifinals, 20-25, 25-23, 21-25, 22-25, but still remain in contention for their first podium finish since Czechoslovakia’s championship in 1966.
Lukas Vasina led the way with 17 points in the semis, while Jan Galabov added 13 and Patrik Indra was limited to 10.
Now in their first-ever medal match as Czechia, the squad looks to finish a landmark campaign by toppling the world's top-ranked team.
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Standing in their way is a Polish side reeling from a straight-set defeat to Italy, where only Wilfredo Leon hit double figures with 14 points and veteran Bartosz Kurek sat out due to injury.
With history on the line, Czechia will lean on Vasina, Galabov, and Indra to deliver one more inspired performance and bring home a bronze that would mark a new era for the program.
First serve is set for 2:30 p.m.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]