In a closely contested match, the Polish men’s volleyball team secured their ninth victory in this year’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) by defeating Serbia 3-2. This significant win not only bolsters Poland’s momentum as they prepare for the VNL finals in Łódź but also impacts their potential rivals for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. The victory places additional pressure on Cuba, who now must win their match against Poland to keep their Olympic hopes alive.
Match Summary: Poland vs. Serbia
The first set quickly turned in favor of Poland, with effective plays from Kamil Semeniuk and robust defense. Despite a late surge from Serbia, Poland clinched the set 25-21. The second set saw a reversal of fortunes as Serbia took an early lead and maintained it, despite Poland’s comeback attempts, ultimately winning 25-21.
Poland dominated the third set, with a remarkable serving streak from Bartosz Kwolek leading to a decisive 25-18 victory. The fourth set was a nail-biter, with both teams trading points until Serbia pulled ahead to win 25-22, forcing a tie-breaker. In the final set, Poland’s superior serving and defense secured a 15-11 win, sealing the match 3-2.
Impact on Olympic Qualification
Although Serbia lost the match, they remain close to securing an Olympic berth, having lost minimal points in the rankings. The result now puts the onus on Cuba, who must defeat Poland to maintain their Olympic qualifying chances. Additionally, the outcome of the Serbia vs. Slovenia match will also play a crucial role in determining the final qualifications for Paris.
