Argentina turns back Finland; Egypt stuns Iran in FIVB Worlds
At A Glance
- The Argentinians, quarterfinalists in the 2022 edition, regained their pace in the third set and kept that momentum going until the deciding fifth frame where they untangled themselves for a 6-all deadlock on their way to their first victory in Pool C.
LUCIANO PALONSKY scores for Argentina against three defenders from Finland during their FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship match. (Volleyball World)
Argentina crawled back from a two-set hole to turn back a feisty Finland side, 19-25, 18-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-11, in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, Sept. 14.
The Argentinians, quarterfinalists in the 2022 edition, regained their pace in the third set and kept that momentum going until the deciding fifth frame where they untangled themselves for a 6-all deadlock on their way to their first victory in Pool C.
Pablo Kukartsev was unstoppable at the attack line and fired 16 kills to finish with 20 points, while outside hitter Luciano Palonsky was equally relentless by pumping in 18 of his 19 points on attacks.
Finland actually delivered more attacks, 66-57, as well as blocks, 14-11, but its 31 unforced errors, including the last two points, contributed to its downfall.
Joonas Jokela erupted for 26 points, while Luka Marttila and Petteri Tyynismaa had 18 and 17 points, respectively, in a losing cause for Finland.
Meanwhile, reigning African champion Egypt stunned world No. 13 Iran, 25-17, 16-25, 25-23, 25-20.
Ahmed Shafik and Abdelrahman Elhossiny Eissa paced the Egyptians with 18 and 17 points, respectively, including combined 31 kills to join Tunisia atop the Pool A standings.
Ali Hajipour and Poriya Hossein Firouzjah tried to lift Iran by posting 17 and 12 points, respectively, to no avail.
Belgium, likewise, made its campaign felt with a 25-16, 25-17, 25-22 triumph over Ukraine to notch its first win in Pool F.