Brazil's men's national volleyball team won the bronze medals in the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) after defeating Slovenia 3:1 (23:25, 25:20, 25:23, 25:19) in the third-place match, played on Sunday morning (August 3) in Ningbo, China.
This result crowns a strong performance by the 'seleção' during the season – part of the team's restructuring process in the new Olympic cycle towards Los Angeles 2028. In the preliminary phase of the tournament, Brazil finished first with 11 wins out of 12 matches.
After the Nations League, the Brazilians will turn their attention to the World Cup in the Philippines, which will be held from September 12 to 28. Brazil will be looking for its fourth title in history after triumphs in 2002, 2006, and 2010.
In the last three editions of the VNL (2022, 2023, and 2024), Brazil was eliminated in the quarterfinals, but this time legendary coach Bernardinho made key changes. Lucarelli and middle blocker Matheus Pinta appeared in the starting lineup, replacing Lucas Bergmann and Judson. Cachopa, Alan, Lucarelli, Honorato, Flávio, Pinta, and libero Maique started on the court. During the match, Adriano, Arthur Bento, Brazil, and Darlan also came in.
The most productive player for the 'gold and greens' was opposite hitter Alan with 18 points.
Matheus Pinta added 11, and Arthur Bento 9. For Slovenia, the best was Rok Možič with 21 points.
The first referee of the match was Ivaylo Ivanov.
MATCH PROGRESS
Brazil led in the first set up to the 22nd point, with good defense and effective counter-attacks, but allowed a weak series at the end and Slovenia turned it around for 25:23. In the second set, the 'seleção' continued with fluctuations in finishing, but took advantage of the opponent's many errors – 12 in total against only 2 for Brazil – and equalized with 25:20.
At the end of the second set, Arthur Bento replaced Honorato at the net and started as a regular in the third part. The Slovenians took a 10:5 lead, but the Brazilians picked up the pace, improved their defense and counter-attacks. Darlan entered during the reverse substitution (5-1), and the team made a complete comeback to 25:23.
This outcome gave momentum to Brazil, which started the fourth set confidently, stabilized reception and attack, pulled away in the middle, and maintained the lead until the end, to return to the VNL podium after years of absence.
photos:volleyballworld.com
