American volleyball has arguably taken a positive step forward this summer, as the Men’s team continues to perform at a high standard at this year’s FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship competition.
The tournament is currently being held in Poland and Slovenia, with this year’s edition being the 20th time the competition has been held.
In this article, we will look at the US’ progress thus far and at what lies ahead for the team as they try to win the second tournament in their history, having won their maiden competition back in 1986 when it was held in France.
The USA starts undoubtedly as they take a dominant position
The USA may not have the best history when it comes down to competing in the FIVB Men’s World Championship Volleyball showpiece, however, there may be some that will be feeling optimistic about their chances of obtaining the title this time around; it would be the first time in almost 40 years if they were able to do so.
Indeed, the Americans have started in an emphatic fashion within the Preliminary Stage of the event, as they managed to secure a 3-0 victory over Mexico (25-18, 25-20, 25-12) in the first game to be played in Pool C before defeating Bulgaria by the same scoreline of 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 26-24). Clearly, the game against the Bulgarians was a little more challenging, although this may be because the European nations appear to be a little stronger when it comes down to playing volleyball.
USA Men’s National Volleyball Team Schedule for the Preliminary Round of the 2022 FIVB Men’s World Championship 🇺🇸
— K (@aphrokatt) August 20, 2022
📍 Katowice, Poland
LET’S GO, USA!!! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/CiG9fr8JnU
The start has meant the US – alongside Poland – are sitting at the top of the Pool, with both teams having won each game that they have played in the Preliminary Stage thus far. However, the third and final game to be played is against each other, and it could trouble the Americans.
Poland is the current champion, and with home-field advantage, many will believe that the three-time champions are best positioned to win when the two teams take to the court on August 30 in Katowice.
Nonetheless, while the Americans will want to secure a win, they will already know that the two victories picked up against Mexico and Bulgaria have already helped them seal their place in the next stage of the competition regardless of the result that may be obtained.
What is the next stage of the FIVB Men’s World Championship Volleyball tournament?
Indeed, while the US will need to compete against Poland first, there will be many that will already be looking to try and plot the route that the team will need to take in order to have a chance of winning the FIVB Men’s World Championship Volleyball this summer.
There will be many that will be looking at the different Pools and the brackets that can be formed, with some trying to work out the best bet for seeing how the American Men’s team can progress.
Naturally, there will also be some that will be checking out who the US Sports betting sites favor when it comes down to trying to work out the path to the Final, while those who are interested in placing a sports bet on the competition will undoubtedly be interested in seeing what the odds are.
As highlighted previously, European nations have been able to dominate the sport over the years, with those from the Americas finding it rather difficult at times, which may be why some of the odds provided are priced the way that they are.
Given that they are placed inside the top two of the Pool with Poland, there is no doubt that the team will qualify for the next stage, but what lies ahead for the North Americans?
The round of 16 will be first
While many will want to get the game against the reigning and defending champions out of the way first, there is no doubt that the US will be involved in the Round of 16 Stage. The top two teams from each of the Pools and then the top four of the third-placed teams will qualify for the final stage of the competition, thus giving us the final 16.
FIVB Men’s World Championship 2022
— Sports Updates (@SomeSports_4U) August 28, 2022
Pool C – Preliminary Phase – Results
USA 🇺🇸 3 : 0 🇧🇬 BULGARIA
Set Scores:
25-20, 25-23, 26-24
🏐#Volleyball #MWCH2022 #Electrifying2022
The Round of 16 games will not begin until September 3, with games being held between Ljubljana in Slovenia and Gliwice in Poland. A traditional knock-out phase will then ensue, with a quarterfinal, semifinal, and then the Final being held; the latter being held on September 11 in Katowice. For teams to get beaten in the semifinals, a third-placed match will also take place in the same Polish city on the same day to determine who gets the bronze medal.
Who is likely to join the US in the Final Round of the FIVB Men’s World Championship Volleyball tournament?
At this moment, it is pretty hard to determine who could join the USA and Poland in the Final Round of the FIVB Men’s World Championship Volleyball tournament.
Brazil and France are the only two other sides to have won two games each at this moment in time, therefore, we can expect to see these four teams in the next stage, thus only giving us an idea about a quarter of the teams.
There have been many to have won one game and lost another in two games, while at the time of writing, there are teams that have only played one game so far. However, it does not look like we will see the likes of China, Mexico, or Qatar as each of them have lost three games thus far.
Final Thoughts
So, how far can the US team go in this year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship Volleyball tournament? If they continue to dominate the way they are, then there is every chance that they can endure a successful tournament in Slovenia and Poland. However, judgment will likely be easier to make following the game with Poland on August 30.
