The Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025 continues to deliver its signature blend of athletic prowess and unpredictable outcomes. However, few moments in this year`s preliminary phase have resonated quite as strongly as Cuba`s recent triumph. In a stunning display of skill and determination, the Caribbean islanders delivered a resounding 3-1 defeat to the FIVB World Ranking leaders, Poland, on their home turf in Gdańsk. This wasn`t merely a victory; it was a statement.
The Unforeseen Upset in Gdańsk
Heading into the third and final week of the VNL 2025 Preliminary Phase, Cuba arrived in Gdańsk with a clear, albeit challenging, objective: secure substantial wins to clinch a spot in the tournament`s Finals. Having just navigated a grueling five-set thriller against Bulgaria the previous day, the Cuban squad showed no signs of fatigue as they stepped onto the court against a Polish team widely considered the crème de la crème of international volleyball. The stakes were high, the crowd of over 9,000 Polish fans was boisterous, and the stage was set for a classic.
What unfolded was a tactical masterpiece by the Cuban side. After dropping the first set 22-25, many might have expected the established order to prevail. But Cuba, with a tenacity that belied their underdog status, mounted an impressive comeback, taking the next three sets 25-19, 25-21, and a nail-biting 26-24. This wasn`t just another notch on their belt; it marked Cuba`s first victory over Poland since 2010 – a testament to their long-awaited resurgence and the sheer audacity of their performance.
Architects of the Triumph
The three crucial points earned from this victory significantly bolstered Cuba`s position within the qualification zone for the VNL Finals. Currently standing seventh with six wins and 18 points, they are only marginally behind fifth-placed France and sixth-placed Ukraine, primarily due to a slightly lower set ratio. Poland, despite the loss, remains a formidable force, holding fourth place with seven wins and 20 points.
Individual brilliance underpinned Cuba`s collective effort. Outside hitter Marlon Yant was, once again, a scoring powerhouse, delivering a match-high 18 points, comprising 15 kills, two aces, and a crucial block. He was ably supported by opposite Jose Masso (15 points), outside hitter Miguel Ángel López (12 points), and middle blocker Javier Concepción (10 points), all of whom contributed double-digit scores, showcasing the depth of Cuba`s attacking arsenal.
Javier Concepción, reflecting on the match, succinctly captured the team`s mindset:
“It was not a surprise for us because we always fight a lot. Our goal today was to keep our level high the entire time, and we were so happy with the victory; there was a lot of emotion at the end. But this is just one small step, and we still have a long way to go. We’re happy with it, but it’s not done yet.”
For Poland, opposite Kewin Sasak and outside hitter Tomasz Fornal each contributed 11 points. Sasak`s points came entirely from kills, while Fornal added two aces and a block to his seven kills, highlighting their efforts in a losing cause.
Beyond the Polish Upset: VNL Action Unfolds
The day in Gdańsk also saw Iran confidently defeat China 3-0 (28-26, 25-21, 25-17), demonstrating their intent to climb the standings. The upcoming schedule in Gdańsk promises further excitement, with Cuba facing France and China battling Bulgaria.
Slovenia`s Steady Ascent
Meanwhile, in Ljubljana, Slovenia also made significant strides, securing a decisive 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-21) victory over the Netherlands. This win positions Slovenia in eighth place with six wins and 17 points, hot on Cuba`s heels, and with the added advantage of two more home matches to close out the week. The Netherlands, conversely, finds itself precariously close to relegation, currently in 17th place with just one win and five points.
Slovenia`s success was spearheaded by a consistent offensive output from opposite Tonček Štern (12 points) and outside hitters Rok Možič (11 points) and Žiga Štern (11 points).
“We’re very happy to have won our first two matches in front of our fans,” Možič stated. “We’re still close to qualifying and that’s our main goal for the week. We have two more matches and I’m sure we’re going to have even more people on the stands over the weekend.”
For the Dutch, opposite Silvester Meijs was the sole player to reach double digits, contributing ten points (seven kills, two blocks, one ace).
The day in Ljubljana kicked off with a hard-fought 3-2 victory for Italy over Ukraine (25-15, 25-20, 16-25, 23-25, 15-10), highlighting the competitive nature of the league. Future matches in Ljubljana include Ukraine against Serbia, followed by the Netherlands facing Canada.
The Road Ahead
As the VNL 2025 Preliminary Phase draws to a close, every match carries immense weight. Cuba`s surprising victory over Poland has not only reignited their Finals aspirations but also served as a stark reminder that in elite sports, reputation is only as strong as the next serve. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion, where every spike, block, and dig could determine a team`s destiny.
