Poland claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Belgium in a thrilling tie-breaker match at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand. This win marks Poland’s second consecutive tie-breaker triumph and sends them into the quarterfinals, where they will face top-ranked Italy on Wednesday, September 3.
The match was an emotional rollercoaster. Belgium stole the first set in overtime, but Poland responded by winning the next two to take control. However, Belgium fought back, pushing the match into a tie-breaker. Poland kept their composure in the final set, ultimately winning 3-2 (25-27, 25-20, 25-17, 22-25, 15-10).
Poland’s offense and net defense proved decisive, with the team recording 65 successful attacks compared to Belgium’s 52. Poland also led in kill blocks, with 15 to Belgium’s 10. Martyna Lukasik was the standout player, scoring 20 points, including one block and two serve aces. Captain Agnieszka Korneluk contributed five kill blocks and one ace to her 15-point total, while opposite hitter Magdalena Stysiak added 15 points. Malwina Smarzek also reached double digits with 13 points.
“We knew Belgium would give their all, and they played exceptionally well,” Lukasik said. “At times, we didn’t play our best volleyball, but we managed to win. We need to be more consistent moving forward, but I know we can do it, especially in tough matches like this one.”
Belgium’s Britt Herbots led her team with 23 points, including one ace and one block. Pauline Martin contributed 19 points, and setter Elise Van Sas added five aces and three kill blocks. Despite the strong performance, Belgium couldn’t seal the win, and Herbots expressed both pride and disappointment after the loss.
“I am proud of the team,” Herbots said tearfully. “We came close to beating Poland, but we lacked a bit of experience in the fifth set. It hurts now, but we have grown so much from this experience, and we’ll continue to improve.”
Eighthfinal matches:
- 29 August
- Netherlands vs. Serbia: 3-2 (27-25, 26-24, 22-25, 20-25, 15-11)
- Thailand vs. Japan: 0-3 (20-25, 23-25, 23-25)
- 30 August
- Italy vs. Germany: 3-0 (25-22, 25-18, 25-11)
- Poland vs. Belgium: 3-2 (25-27, 25-20, 25-17, 22-25, 15-10)
- 31 August
- Brazil vs. Dominican Republic (VBTV)
- China vs. France (VBTV)
- 1 September
- USA vs. Canada (VBTV)
- Turkey vs. Slovenia (VBTV)
- Mexico and Colombia Secure Semifinal Spots at Pan American Cup
- FIVB WC W: Poland Survives Belgium in Thrilling Tie-Breaker
- Italy Cruises Past Germany to Secure Quarterfinal Spot
- Poland Crushes Serbia 3-0 in Wagner Memorial
- Argentina Sweeps Brazil 3–0 in Wagner Memorial Opener
