Qatar say goodbye to Men's Volleyball World Championship with their first-ever victory

Eliminated from the race to qualify for the Round of 16 of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship, Qatar and Romania both got on the court on Wednesday determined to make history in their last match in the event, as while the Asians chased their first-ever victory in the tournament, the Europeans wanted to triumph at the world stage for the first time since 1982.

After four intense sets at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, it was the Qataris who had reason to celebrate after accomplishing their goal with a 3-1 (20-25, 25-23, 25-20, 25-22) come-from-behind victory in their last match in the Philippines.

• Watch the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship on VBTV

Making just their second World Championship appearance, Qatar showed progress, overcoming their winless campaign in 2022 and ending in third place in Pool B with the three points earned against the Romanians, who returned to the tournament for the first time in 43 years in 2025.

Opposite Youssef Oughlaf was the hero in their historic victory, leading the Qataris with 15 points, all obtained in kills. Pillars of the team, veteran middle blockers Belal Abunabot and Ibrahim Ibrahim added 13 and 12 points, respectively.

"This victory means a lot to our country," the 40-year-old Ibrahim reflected. "In 2022, we had a great first participation, but couldn't win. We fought a lot here in the Philippines, and I really wanted the team to be able to celebrate a victory this time. We were here to learn, and now we return home and keep pushing forward. We always learn something when playing the top teams in the world."

Romania had the match's top scorer in Cristian-Daniel Chitigoi, who produced 16 points (12 kills, four blocks), one more than fellow outside hitter Rares Balean.

A highly competitive match, the encounter between Qatar and Romania had the teams producing the same amount of points in both kills (50) and blocks (nine). The Asians had the edge by leading in aces (five to three) and making fewer errors (28 to 31).

2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship: Match Schedule & Results

The two Pool B teams qualified for the World Championship elimination rounds, Poland and the Netherlands will face off later on Wednesday in Quezon City, at 18:00 local time (10:00 GMT), with the winners claiming first place in the pool ahead of the Round of 16.

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