The second day of the Women's Nations League offered even more emotions, comebacks, and surprises. After several favorites sent serious warnings to their competition on the first day, on Thursday the volleyball world witnessed a historic success for Ukraine, a sensational victory for Canada over the USA, and an unexpected defeat for the revamped Turkey squad against the Netherlands.
A historic moment for Ukraine
The Ukrainians recorded their first-ever victory in the tournament's history after triumphing over Germany with a 3:2(25:21,30:28,14:25,19:25,15:13) win in Quebec.
The debutantes in the competition started confidently and took a two-set lead, but the Germans managed to bring back the intrigue after convincing victories in the third and fourth sets. In the tie-break, however, the Ukrainians showed stronger nerves and achieved the historic success.
The victory is not only the first in the Nations League but also the first in the history of direct matches between Ukraine and Germany. After gaining two points, the Ukrainian team climbed to 13th place and left the relegation zone.
Poland brought Czechia back to earth
After an impressive start against China, Czechia was brought back to earth by one of the tournament's big contenders. Poland left no chances for the Czechs and won 3:0(25:22,25:22,25:20).
The Polish team demonstrated stability in all elements and recorded its second victory in two matches, which temporarily moved them to second place in the overall standings.
China struggled against Thailand
In front of their home crowd in Nanjing, host China had to go through a serious test before achieving their first success in the tournament.
The Chinese defeated Thailand 3:2(25:14,24:26,25:19,23:25,15:7), but had to play the maximum number of sets against the inspired Asian opponent.
Despite the loss, Thailand earned praise for its fighting spirit and managed to secure its first point in the competition.
The Netherlands punished Turkey's revamped squad
The European champions from Turkey, playing with a changed lineup at the start of the tournament, suffered their first defeat.
The Netherlands played a very strong match and achieved a clean 3:0(25:23,25:17,25:18) victory. The Europeans dominated in most elements and did not allow the Turkish team to find their rhythm.
Thus, the "Tulips" recorded their first victory in this year's edition of the tournament.
Brazil remains flawless
The Brazilians also remained undefeated after the second day. The South Americans lost the first set against the Dominican Republic but then asserted their will for a final 3:1(23:25,25:18,25:11,25:15).
After a hesitant start, the hosts from Brazil showed why they are among the main favorites for medals and topped the temporary standings with a perfect six points.
The big surprise – Canada broke the USA
The biggest surprise of the day came in Quebec, where host Canada defeated the Olympic bronze medalist USA with a decisive 3:0(25:22,25:22,30:28).
The Canadians showed exceptional efficiency in crucial moments and deservedly achieved the prestigious success. The Americans failed to impose their game, and the dramatic third set only confirmed the excellent performance of the North Americans.
Results from the second day
Poland – Czech Republic 3:0(25:22,25:22,25:20)
China – Thailand 3:2(25:14,24:26,25:19,23:25,15:7)
Netherlands – Turkey 3:0(25:23,25:17,25:18)
Ukraine – Germany 3:2(25:21,30:28,14:25,19:25,15:13)
Brazil – Dominican Republic 3:1(23:25,25:18,25:11,25:15)
Canada – USA 3:0(25:22,25:22,30:28)
Provisional standings after the second day
| Place | Team | Wins | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brazil | 2 | 6 |
| 2 | Poland | 2 | 5 |
| 3 | Germany | 1 | 4 |
| 4 | Italy | 1 | 3 |
| 5 | Serbia | 1 | 3 |
| 6 | Japan | 1 | 3 |
| 7 | Netherlands | 1 | 3 |
| 8 | Canada | 1 | 3 |
| 9 | USA | 1 | 3 |
| 10 | Czech Republic | 1 | 3 |
| 11 | China | 1 | 2 |
| 12 | Turkey | 1 | 2 |
| 13 | Ukraine | 1 | 2 |
| 14 | Belgium | 0 | 1 |
| 15 | Dominican Republic | 0 | 1 |
| 16 | Thailand | 0 | 1 |
| 17 | France | 0 | 0 |
| 18 | Bulgaria | 0 | 0 |
The temporary standings show the early dominance of Brazil and Poland, who are the only teams with two wins each. Germany remains high despite the defeat against Ukraine thanks to the point gained. The most significant leap is for debutant Ukraine, who left the last place and is now out of the relegation zone. Canada and the Netherlands also made a serious step forward after their prestigious victories against the USA and Turkey. Bulgaria is still waiting for its first points in the tournament.
