Men's World Championship 2025

Turkiye write history with turnaround win over Netherlands

In their first ever World Championship quarterfinal, Turkiye will meet Poland or Canada on Wednesday

Published 10:55, 20 Sept 2025

Türkiye (TUR) vs. Netherlands (NED) men - Round of 16 #60108252

Turkiye’s Adis Lagumdzija triumphant with the team’s historic achievement at the Men’s Volleyball World Championship

Turkiye reached the last eight of an FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship for the first time in history. They booked the first quarterfinal spot at the 2025 edition in the Philippines. In Saturday’s first eighthfinal match in Pasay City, they came back from a set down to defeat the Netherlands in four. Turkiye’s quarterfinal opponent will be known later on Saturday and it will be the winner of the second eighthfinal match between Poland and Canada, serving off at 20:00 local time (12:00 UTC).

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The first set was the most competitive of the four. Turkiye denied four set points for the Netherlands, but on the fifth one, Bennie Tuinstra spiked the set winner for the Dutch. Turkiye fought back and their opponents held up until 22-22 in the second set. Turkiye broke away to take the set and level the score. They completely dominated set three to step in front. With three aces from Efe Mandiraci, the Turks stormed the fourth set on a 4-0 run and never looked back. Finally, it was Mandiraci again, who delivered the match winner for a 3-1 (27-29, 25-23, 25-19, 25-19) victory.

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Turkiye outperformed the Netherlands on all scoring counts – by 12-5 in kill blocks, by 8-4 in serving aces, by 59-56 in spike kills, and by 22-23 in unforced errors. Opposite Adis Lagumdzija spiked at a 57% success rate and put away two aces and a kill block to finish with a match-high 28 points. To his three aces in the fourth set, outside hitter Mandiraci added a kill block and 11 kills in attack to sign off with 15 points. His cross-court teammate Mirza Lagumdzija chipped in with 13 points, including three blocks, while middle blocker Bedirhan Bulbul added another 12, including three blocks and three aces. He also impressed with a 67% success rate in offense.

“This game was of historic importance for us, because we never made the last eight of a World Championship. So, we are really happy, we did an amazing job and I am proud of my team,” an elated Mandiraci told VBTV after the game. “We learned to play together and that’s why we did a great job. I don’t want to talk too much, but again, I am proud of my team!”

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Opposite Michiel Ahyi led the Netherlands with 21 points, including one ace. Outside hitter Tom Koops also reached the double digits with 14 points, including one block.

“We did give everything and I think we should be really proud of that. We walk out of here with our heads held high,” commented Ahyi. “We really tried everything, but today Turkiye was better. They were just better – I am going to leave it at that.”