Ukraine get into the qualification zone after sweep of Türkiye

Ukraine continue to show they belong in the elite of international volleyball in their first appearance in the Volleyball Nations League and, on Thursday, the Europeans got one step closer to qualifying for the event’s Finals.

Playing in Burgas, Bulgaria, the VNL rookies were dominant against Türkiye and produced a sound 3-0 (25-11, 25-22, 25-21) victory that got them inside the qualification zone for the Final Phase of this year’s edition of the tournament.

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The Ukrainians, who had lost to Olympic champions France in their first match at the Arena Burgas on Wednesday, collected three important points with their sweep of the Turkish. With three victories in their first six VNL matches, they now appear in sixth place in the VNL standings, with ten points – the seven best teams in the Preliminary Phase and hosts China will compete in the Finals, which are going to be held in Ningbo, from July 30-August 3.

Outside hitter Dmytro Yanchuk had an extraordinary performance for the winning side, contributing 19 points, with 18 kills and one ace. Opposite Vasyl Tupchii also had a productive shift, adding 16 points, with 13 kills, two blocks and one ace.

“Winning today was very important for us after we lost yesterday,” middle blocker Oleksandr Koval reflected. “We’re looking for a spot in the Finals.”

Türkiye heavily relied on outside hitter Efe Mandıracı, who responded with a 17-point performance, produced with 15 kills and two blocks.

The other match of the day in Burgas saw Japan come out on top in a dramatic five-set battle with Olympic champions France, winning 3-2 (25-22, 19-25, 22-25, 25-20, 15-11).

VNL 2025 – Match Schedule & Results

On Friday, Ukrainians and Japanese will meet in the first match of the day, scheduled for 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT), with Bulgaria and Slovenia playing later, at 19:30 (16:30 GMT).

Germany come back against the Netherlands

In Belgrade, Germany started behind, but displayed strength to come back and beat the Netherlands 3-1 (24-26, 25-22, 25-21, 26-24), securing their first victory in the Serbian capital – they had lost to Cuba on Wednesday.

Opposite Filip John was Germany’s top scorer in the match, with 20 points (18 kills, one block, one ace) scored. Outside hitter Tobias Brand and middle blocker Lukas Maase contributed 12 points each.

“We talked a lot about how we wanted to improve after yesterday’s match,” middle blocker Simon Torwie reacted. “We wanted to be more disciplined in the system and, with the help of the outside hitters, we did a lot of good things trying to stop them. We wanted to play with more spirit and more energy and go more for the win than avoiding the loss. We showed that today, a little bit more.”

Despite the defeat, the Netherlands had the match’s top scorer in opposite Michiel Ahyi, who left the court with 22 points (17 kills, four blocks, one ace). Outside hitters Tom Koops and Bennie Tuinstra added 14 and 13, respectively.

With nine points earned (two wins, four losses), the Germans rank 12^th in the VNL 2025. The Dutch won just one of their first six matches and appear in 16^th place, with three points.

The other match of the day in the Serbian capital had Cuba topping the home team 3-1 (22-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16).

On Friday, Argentina and Iran, who were off on Thursday, will meet in the first match of the day, at 16:30 local time (14:30 GMT). The Netherlands and Cuba will play the evening match, scheduled for 20:00 (18:00 GMT).

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