The Polish national team demonstrated excellent form in their last friendly match before the third and final week of the Volleyball Nations League. Nikola Grbić's team decisively defeated Germany 3:0 (25:17, 25:16, 25:15) in Olsztyn, and by prior agreement, the two teams also played an additional fourth set, won by the Germans 25:22.
The test was the last for the Poles before their departure to Chicago, where in their very first match on July 15, they will face Bulgaria. Precisely because of this, the match was followed with particular interest, as Grbić tested various squad options before the start of the decisive week.
The biggest news for the hosts was the return of Tomasz Fornal and Kamil Semeniuk, who donned the national jersey for the first time this season. Both started as regulars and showed they are in excellent form. Fornal impressed with his blocking and attacking play, while Semeniuk brought composure to reception and attack.
Poland completely dominated the first three sets. Already in the first part, Bartosz Lemański's strong serve and successful counterattacks by Fornal and Szymon Jakubiszak brought a convincing 25:17. In the second set, Jakubiszak served a series of powerful serves, and Bartosz Boladz closed the set with an ace for 25:16.
Only the start of the third set gave some hope to Germany, which led 3:1. However, the Poles quickly turned the tide, and their block completely neutralized the opponent. In this set alone, "Drużyna Polska" scored seven points from blocks and reached 25:15 without problems.
After the official match, the two teams also played an additional fourth set. In it, Grbić gave more reserves an opportunity to play, and the Germans took advantage, winning 25:22. Towards the end, young setter Marcel Bacaj brought back the intrigue with two consecutive aces, but the visitors held their lead.
Even before the friendly, Nikola Grbić confirmed that he would not risk players who are not yet fully recovered.
"Firlej still has a calf problem. We did an ultrasound, and there's improvement, but not enough for him to play. I don't want to take any risks," said the coach.
Regarding Jakub Kochanowski, he added: "Kochan is working on an individual program and training in the gym. Both will be with us, but they won't play. Everyone else is healthy."
Immediately after the match, the Polish Federation announced the official squad for the final Nations League tournament in Chicago. The biggest news is the return of Tomasz Fornal and Kamil Semeniuk, who replace Mikołaj Sawicki and Michał Gierżot. Setter Marcel Bacaj remains in the squad due to Jan Firlej's ongoing problems, and despite still recovering from a knee injury, Jakub Kochanowski is also among the chosen players.
After ten matches played, Poland occupies third place in the provisional standings of the Volleyball Nations League. In Chicago, the Poles will consecutively face Bulgaria, Brazil, France, and hosts USA, with the match against the Bulgarian national team opening their schedule in the tournament.
Poland's squad for the third week of the Volleyball Nations League in Chicago:
Setters:Marcin Komenda, Marcel Bacaj, Jan Firlej.
Outside hitters:Wilfredo León, Aleksander Śliwka, Artur Szalpuk, Kamil Semeniuk, Tomasz Fornal.
Opposites:Bartosz Boladz, Kewin Sasak.
Middle blockers:Bartosz Lemański, Jakub Kochanowski, Jakub Majchrzak, Szymon Jakubiszak, Jakub Nowak.
Libero:Jakub Popiwczak, Maksymilian Granecki.
photos:Nikolay Varadinov
