Poland down Czech Republic in four sets to claim first ever World Championship bronze

Poland made the podium of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in the Philippines.
In Sunday’s central European clash for the third place in Pasay City, they overcame Czech Republic resistance winning the game in four sets, 1-3 (18:25, 25:23, 22:25, 21:25), to claim their first bronze medal in history.
Previously, in fact, they had three world titles and two silver medals on their pockets.
Star outside hitter Wilfredo Leon led the charge in a one-sided first set with as many as 11 points and, riding the momentum, Poland stormed into a 6-1 lead in second set until a heavy 14-9, when Czech Republic started their gradual comeback. Led by outside hitter Lukas Vasina they tried to level the match. Vasina continued to excel in Czech Republic’s offenso also in third set and, despite the many unforced errors they made, his team managed to wipe out a four-point Polish lead to catch up at 20-20. However, Poland’s middle blocker Szymon Jakubiszak was protagonist of a amazing set and, with two points in a row, he brought in set point at 24-21. Shortly after, Leon put away the winning touch to put Poland ahead again.
Czech Republic tried a desperate comeback in fourth set but, after 7-7, Poland broke away and never looked back, finishing the job with a well-deserved 3-1 success afrer an error in attack by the rivals.
In fact, this was the element that made the greatest difference in the game, with 28 unforced errors by Poland against 35 by Czech Republic.
The world’s number one team slightly outperformed their rivals also in the other three scoring elements, with 5 aces to 3, 9 to 7 blocks and 49 to 48 in spike kills.
Wilfredo Leon led the charge with 26 points including three blocks and 64% success rate, while opposite Kewin Sasak also contributed with three aces and 11 points.
His Czech counterpart Patrik Indra also finished with 11 points, all in attack, while Lukas Vasina led the team with 19 points, including one block through 56% in attack.

“It’s always a struggle. It doesn’t matter who is on the other side, because now everybody is playing volleyball. Everybody has got two to three players, who are playing in strong clubs, and they can play a really great game. So, I am proud of these guys!” Poland’s Serbian head coach Nikola Grbic said after the game. “We were devastated yesterday, because the expectations were higher, because we know how hard we worked, what quality we have and how important it was for us to try to play another final. Coming back from that tough loss yesterday wasn’t easy at all. That’s why I am satisfied that we came back. I have great guys and I am proud of them. I just hope we will continue to come back to Poland with a medal every time.”

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🌏| 2025 FIVB World Championship | SEMIFINALS

Saturday September 27, 2025 📍 Pasay City

• 14.30 (Local Time) | Czech Republic – Bulgaria 1-3 (20:25, 25:23, 21:25, 22:25)
• 18.30 (Local Time) | Poland – Italy 0-3 (21:25, 22:25, 23:25)

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🏐| NEXT GAMES – FINALS

Sunday September 28, 2025 📍 Pasay City

👉🏼 15.30 (Local Time) | Czech Republic – Poland 🥉1-3 (18:25, 25:23, 22:25, 21:25)
• 18.30 (Local Time) | Bulgaria 🥈 – Italy 🥇 1-3 (21:25, 17:25, 25:17, 10:25)

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