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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Volleyball devider Serbia stuns Brazil, books Round of 16 berth in FIVB Worlds

Serbia stuns Brazil, books Round of 16 berth in FIVB Worlds

Published Sep 18, 2025 12:54 pm
Drazen Luburic scores for Serbia. (Volleyball World)
Drazen Luburic scores for Serbia. (Volleyball World)
Serbia pulled off a stunning 25-22, 25-20, 25-22 victory over world No. 2 Brazil to book a spot in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday Sept. 18.
It was the second victory in three games for the Serbians, whose straight-set win improved them to six points in the Pool H standings.
Brazil’s defeat put its campaign in peril despite completing the pool play with a similar 2-1 mark and six points. With two wins, six sets won and four lost, the South Americans had to wait for the outcome of the Czechia-China match -- set to be played later in the day -- to determine their fate.
A five-set win or a loss from Czechia would earn Brazil a ticket to the knockout stage. However, a points ratio tiebreaker would decide Brazil's fate if Czechia wins in four sets.
A straight-set win for Czechia, meanwhile, would eliminate Brazil from contention.
Drazen Luburic starred for the world No. 22 Serbians with 19 points built on 17 kills, while Pavle Peric and Miran Kujundzic chipped in 15 and 10 points, respectively.
Brazil displayed the same energy from its previous victories over China and Czechia, but just couldn’t find the right firepower to dismantle a more determined Serbian side.
Opposite hitter Alan de Souza was the lone double-digit scorer for the Brazilians with 10 points on nine kills and one block.
The Serbians overpowered the Brazilians in all departments, particularly in blocks, 10-6. They also produced more attacks, 43-40.
Meanwhile, Finland toppled South Korea, 25-18, 25-23, 17-25, 25-21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to boost its campaign for a Round of 16 berth.
The Finnish had six points from their 2-1 record in Pool C as they await the outcome of the France-Argentina match being played at press time.
Argentina boasts of a 2-0 mark with five points, while France close behind with a 1-1 card for four points.
Luka Marttila and Joonas Jokela erupted for 25 and 21 points for Finland as they dominated the South Koreans on the offensive department with more attacks, 62-54.
South Korea finished their campaign winless in three games.
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