Day three of the second week of the Men's Volleyball Nations League offered a new round of dramatic matches, shifts in the standings, and serious implications for the world ranking. Japan remained the only undefeated team in the tournament, but had to go through a five-set battle against Iran. Ukraine continued its impressive march in Ljubljana, adding a victory against Canada to its series after triumphs over Brazil and Italy. Italy reacted after two consecutive defeats by Bulgaria and Ukraine, overcoming Brazil in one of the most important matches of the day. Germany broke Belgium in a direct European clash, Serbia handled Cuba, and Argentina recorded only its second VNL victory with a straight-set success against China.

Argentina climbed out of the hole, China continues to sink

Argentina achieved only its second victory in the Volleyball Nations League after defeating China 3:0 (25:22, 25:19, 25:22) in Gliwice. The match began with a minute of silence in memory of Argentine volleyball legend Daniel Castellani, who passed away after a battle with cancer. The "Gauchos" played with black armbands and displayed far more concentrated volleyball than their opponents. China stayed close in the score in the first and third sets, but ultimately failed to turn the tide in decisive moments. Argentina had a clear advantage in attack – 44 successful attacks versus 34 for China, which proved to be the main difference in the match. Luciano Vicentín was the top scorer with 15 points, all from attack, with a very high success rate. China had a slight advantage in blocks, but this was not enough against the more stable and organized play of the South Americans. With this success, Argentina now has 2 wins, 4 losses, and 6 points, while China remains with 1 win, 6 losses, and 4 points.

Ukraine continued their streak and defeated Canada

Ukraine continued their impressive performance in the VNL, defeating Canada 3:1 (25:19, 25:23, 18:25, 25:23) in Ljubljana. Raúl Lozano's team recorded their third consecutive victory in the Slovenian capital after successes over Brazil and Italy. The Ukrainians started very strongly, imposing aggressive serving and solid blocking, with Tupchii and Plotnytskyi leading the team to success in the first set. The second part was far more contested, but Ukraine showed stronger nerves at the end and closed it at 25:23. Canada got back into the match with a very strong third set, where they controlled the events and reduced the deficit after 25:18. In the fourth set, the North Americans pressed again at the end, but Ukraine remained calm and finished the match at 25:23. Vasyl Tupchii was the top scorer with 20 points, and Oleh Plotnytskyi added 17. Ukraine had an advantage in attack and serving, and despite Canada's better defense with digs, the Ukrainians' higher quality reception proved crucial.

Japan survived against Iran and remained undefeated

Japan remained the only undefeated team in the Volleyball Nations League, but had to overcome a serious challenge against Iran. The Asian clash in Orléans ended with a 3:2 (25:19, 25:19, 20:25, 23:25, 15:12) victory for the Japanese. After the first two sets, it seemed Japan would achieve a straight-set victory, but Iran showed character and brought the intrigue back. The Iranians won the third set 25:20, and then snatched the fourth 25:23, forcing the match into a tie-break. In the decisive set, Japan regained its concentration and managed to close the match at 15:12. Yuki Ishikawa was the top scorer with 22 points, and Ran Takahashi added 19, scoring the final point of the match. Lari Evbade-Dan distinguished himself with five successful blocks, while Miyaura and Nishida also made important contributions in attack. For Iran, Ali Hagparast was the strongest with 19 points, but his efforts were not enough for a complete comeback.

Germany defeated Belgium despite another strong match from Reggers

Germany achieved a very important victory after prevailing over Belgium 3:1 (25:22, 19:25, 25:23, 25:19) in Gliwice. The two teams offered an evenly matched European clash, but the Germans were more precise in crucial moments. Belgium started well, but Germany gradually turned the rhythm in the first set and won it 25:22. The "Red Dragons" reacted in the second set, where with more aggressive serving and better attack, they equalized after 25:19. The third set proved crucial, as Belgium overcame a deficit and drew level, but Germany remained cooler-headed and closed it at 25:23. In the fourth set, the two teams went point for point before the Germans made a decisive run and put an end to the match. Jan Böhme was the top scorer for the winners with 18 points, Eric Röhrs added 17, and Tobias Brand finished with 14. For Belgium, Ferre Reggers and Pierre Perrin scored 23 points each, but the German block and fewer errors tipped the scales.

Italy returned with a valuable victory against Brazil

Italy recorded its first victory in the second VNL tournament in Ljubljana, after defeating Brazil 3:1 (25:19, 25:23, 22:25, 25:23). After defeats by Bulgaria and Ukraine, the world champions showed a completely different face and achieved a very important success against a direct rival. The Italians started strongly, pressed with serving and blocking, and won the first two sets. Brazil returned to the game in the third set when they stabilized their attack and reduced the deficit after 25:22. The greatest drama came in the fourth set, in which the Brazilians took a 12:5 lead and seemed close to a tie-break. Italy, however, made an impressive comeback, thanks to strong serving, a series of important rallies, and key blocks. Alessandro Bovolenta was the top scorer for the winners with 20 points, and Mattia Bottolo added 19. Italy scored nine aces against only two for Brazil, which proved to be one of the most important factors for the final success.

Marinović led Serbia to victory hours before his wedding

Serbia defeated Cuba by3:1 (25:19, 13:25, 25:23, 25:22)in Orléans and climbed to sixth place in the temporary standings of the Volleyball Nations League. The Cubans once again showed their potential and managed to equalize the score, but in decisive moments, the Serbian team demonstrated more class and closed the match in four sets. Coach Gheorghe Crețu had to manage without the starting opposite hitter Veljko Mašulović, who has a knee injury, and in his place, outside hitter Pavle Perić successfully performed as opposite and finished with 14 points. The great hero for Serbia, however, was Lazar Marinović, who scored 18 points and played his last match before one of the most important events of his life. The very next morning, the national team player departed for Belgrade, where he will get married over the weekend. After the match, Crețu specifically praised Perić for his performance in the unfamiliar position, and when asked what the team needed to improve before the next matches, he replied with a smile: "The temperature in the hall." Serbia now has a record of 4 wins and 2 losses, while Cuba remains in last place without a single victory in the VNL.

Temporary VNL Standings before today's matches

Japan is now the leader in the provisional standings with 6 wins and 16 points, while Ukraine has the same point tally but with one more loss. The USA remains third with 15 points and one game less than Japan. Bulgaria is in 10th place with 3 wins and 9 points, being only two points away from the Final Eight zone, but the competition around them is extremely tight. Germany and Belgium also have 9 points each, and Turkey is immediately ahead of Bulgaria based on additional indicators.

Bulgaria maintains its eighth place in the world ranking with 263.76 points, but the pursuers are now very close. Germany climbed to ninth position with 256.92 points, and Serbia is tenth with 256.69. Ukraine continues its huge leap and is now 11th with 252.15 points, which makes the upcoming matches even more important for both the VNL standings and the world ranking. Italy increased its points after the victory over Brazil and remains second after leader Poland, while Brazil is now under more serious pressure from Japan and Slovenia.