The first three points collected by the Serbians in the Philippines put them strongly in the mix for one of the two spots out of Pool H in the Round of 16. They have now tied Czechia and are three points behind leaders Brazil, the other two teams with chances of progressing, but control their own fate as a straight-set victory over the Brazilians on Thursday would put them through regardless of other results - they can advance with other results, depending on what happens in the encounter involving Czechia and China, also on Thursday.
Star opposite Dražen Luburić carried the Serbian offense with a match-high 17 points (15 kills, one block, one ace). Outside hitter Pavle Perić and middle blocker Aleksandar Nedeljković contributed 11 points each.
"The first match was tough for us," Luburić remarked. "I felt that we didn't get enough rest after a long flight and just weren't fresh. We also have a new generation of players this season and are still working to build some chemistry. Now we're finally getting some rhythm. We have one match left against Brazil, and it's our last chance to advance, so let's hope for the best."
