The last day of the first week of the Volleyball Nations League offered everything fans of the game expect – dramatic comebacks, five-set battles, and significant changes in the standings. A total of five out of nine matches were decided after a tie-break, as if the first tournament didn't want to end. Japan finished the tournament undefeated, while Italy, Germany, and Belgium also recorded important victories. Bulgaria concluded the first week with a defeat against Serbia but remains in the fight for spots qualifying for the final tournament. Poland and Brazil pulled off impressive comebacks from 0:2 sets, and Brazil finished the week as the leader in the standings after four wins from four matches.

Poland came back from 0:2 against Ukraine and finished the week with a victory.

Poland concluded its participation in Linyi with a dramatic 3:2 (19:25, 18:25, 25:22, 25:21, 15:11) victory over Ukraine, after trailing by two sets. Nikola Grbić's team faced serious problems early on and couldn't find a solution against the Ukrainians' stable play. After changes in their game and strong performances by libero Maksymilian Granecki, the Poles gradually took the initiative. In the tie-break, Oleksii Nasewicz led the team to the comeback, and Poland finished the first week with 7 points and a spot in the upper half of the standings.

China recorded their first VNL victory after success over Cuba.

China secured its first VNL win by decisively defeating Cuba 3:0 (25:21, 25:19, 25:23) in front of their home crowd. Vital Heynen's team demonstrated greater efficiency in attack and serve, scoring seven aces compared to only three for their opponent. The victory propelled the Chinese to 11th place in the provisional standings and brought significant progress in the world rankings. The Cubans, on the other hand, lost positions in the world ranking after the unexpected defeat.

Japan finished the first week undefeated.

Japan continued its impressive performance and defeated Slovenia 3:1 (25:27, 25:16, 25:22, 25:22), recording their fourth success in four matches. After losing the first set, the "Samurai" imposed a high tempo and dominated the rest of the match. Captain Yuki Ishikawa led the team with 23 points, and the Japanese impressed with exceptional defensive play. The victory propelled them to first place in the provisional Volleyball Nations League standings, before the remaining matches were played.

Belgium continues to surprise after another dramatic success.

Belgium cemented its status as the pleasant surprise in the VNL, after overcoming Iran 3:2 (25:23, 25:22, 23:25, 17:25, 15:12). The Belgians squandered a two-set lead but found the strength to win the tie-break. Despite Iran's superiority in attack and block, the Asians' errors proved decisive. The victory kept Belgium close to the spots offering a chance to participate in the final tournament.

Serbia stopped Bulgaria at the end of the first week.

The Bulgarian national team finished the tournament in Brazil with a 0:3 (28:30, 22:25, 23:25) loss to Serbia. Despite an even game and a dramatic first set, the "Lions" failed to achieve success against Đorđe Kretsu's selection. Aleksandar Nikolov was once again the strongest figure in the Bulgarian squad with 21 points. Bulgaria concluded the week with two wins and two losses.

Germany toppled Olympic champion France.

Germany recorded a prestigious 3:1 (40:38, 19:25, 25:20, 25:22) victory over France in one of the week's most dramatic matches.
The first set between Germany and France became the longest set since the start of this year's Volleyball Nations League. The Germans won it 40:38 after a total of 78 rallies, setting a season record to date. In this set, the French missed nine set points.
The Germans capitalized on the psychological advantage and managed to impose their game in the subsequent decisive moments. Thus, the Olympic champions concluded the first week with only one victory.

Turkey overcame Canada after a five-set battle.

Turkey recorded their second VNL victory after success over host Canada with a 3:2 (25:21, 17:25, 25:23, 14:25, 15:8) win. The two teams exchanged two sets each before the Turks showed more class in the decisive tie-break. Serving and stable reception proved key to the final success. The victory moved Turkey up in both the tournament standings and the world rankings.

Brazil overturned Argentina and remained flawless.

In front of nearly 8,000 spectators, Brazil delighted its fans with an impressive comeback against Argentina, winning 3:2 (18:25, 24:26, 25:19, 25:23, 15:9). After losing the first two sets, the hosts showed character and gradually took control of the match. Strong play in blocking and serving helped "Seleção" achieve their fourth consecutive success. The Brazilians finished the first week as the leader in the provisional standings.

Italy prevailed over the USA and solidified its place among the leaders.

Italy finished the tournament in Ottawa with a 3:2 (25:18, 15:25, 25:19, 18:25, 15:10) victory over the USA. The match offered many turnovers, but the world champions showed greater stability in the decisive moments. Luca Porro was the top scorer for the "Azzurri" with 23 points. The success moved Italy to fourth place in the VNL temporary standings and solidified the team's leading position in the world rankings.

Results from the last day of the first week of VNL

The day offered extremely contested matches, with as many as five of the nine encounters being decided after a tie-break. The most impressive comebacks were made by Poland against Ukraine and Brazil against Argentina, after both teams overcame a 0:2 set deficit. Japan and Brazil remained the only teams that finished the first week without a defeat, while Belgium continued to be the big surprise of the tournament with another win against Iran. Italy, Brazil, and Japan solidified their positions among the leaders before the start of the second week of the VNL.

photo: Nikolay Varadinov