Immediately after the third victory in the group, volleyweek asked three of the match participants for their opinion:

🗣️ Alex Grozdanov (captain)

“We are playing at a very high level. I think we performed creditably. In the first two matches, there was a lot of tension and nerves – the desire to win was palpable even before the start. But today's match also had to be prepared seriously and played with concentration, because we don't yet have the experience to choose when to give 100% and when to just take the match. And I don't think it's right to approach it that way.

I'm proud of the team for managing to regroup and close out the match in three sets. This is important for both physical condition and conserving energy. You also saw that the substitutions at the end of the match performed creditably. Borko Nachev came on very well. And overall, everyone who is here has worked hard all summer and deserves their place on the team. If I look back – in the first match against Germany, especially in the first set, when we were leading by 6 points. We lost control there, but for me, the important thing is that we reacted adequately, kept the faith, and turned the match around. This shows character, and against a team like Germany at that. We are prepared for both playing styles – that of Cuba and that of Portugal, so whichever opponent comes our way. And we see how many comebacks there have been at this World Championship – there's no weak opponent. Tavares, who is the setter for Portugal, is a very classy player; we played a final against his team in Poland.

🗣️ Asparuh Asparuhov (outside hitter)

“Few people expected such an outcome; even Bulgarian fans were dreaming at most of second place, but we finished first.

Our first goal was to get out of the group. We achieved it, and in the best possible way. We prepared well – our training sessions were at a very high level, close to what is required in matches. The control matches also helped; we entered the tournament in good rhythm and with the right mindset.

I'm glad that we maintained our concentration today as well. This match was more unique – against an opponent we didn't know. But we started aggressively from the first point and got the job done.

We have no preference for an opponent in the Round of 16 – at this level, there are no weak teams. Anyone can beat anyone, sometimes cleanly, sometimes in five sets. The most important thing is for us to be prepared for any situation.

For me, this is my second World Championship, and even though I'm only 25, I already feel like a "veteran" among the younger players (laughs). The atmosphere in the team is great – both on and off the court. This helps us to appear confident and united.”

🗣️ Gianlorenzo Blengini (head coach)

“Three victories – we are truly happy. Firstly, because we are already in the next phase, and secondly – because we achieved three consecutive successes, which is never easy.

Each of these matches was different – in style, in tactics, in emotion, and in the moment we had to play it. We managed to adapt – technically, tactically, and also in our behavior on the court. That is precisely the most valuable lesson for us.

The second match was more intense – everyone saw how strong the opponents were and how ambitious they were to win. They put us under pressure in the most crucial situations, but we managed to keep our composure.

The most important thing for us is always "today." To be ready for difficult moments – because they are inevitable in volleyball. You have to accept that they will come and know how to react. So far, we are doing it well, and that is what gives me confidence. We don't look back at what has been, nor do we think about what will be tomorrow – what matters is how we play today.

I have no preference for the next opponent. At this level, there are no weak teams. More importantly, we must maintain our own level and play with the same dedication. To win, it's not enough to be "good enough" – you have to be at the peak of your abilities for a long time. That's the only way to win such matches against such strong opponents.”