The reigning champions of the Volleyball Nations League, Türkiye, have officially punched their ticket to the VNL 2025 Finals. This significant step was achieved with a clinical 3-0 victory (25-19, 25-16, 25-21) over host nation the Netherlands during the third week of the preliminary phase in Apeldoorn.
This dominant performance makes Türkiye the third national team, following hosts Poland, Brazil, and Italy, to secure a coveted spot among the top eight teams competing for the title in Łódź, Poland, from July 23-27.
Türkiye`s sweep against the Dutch was their eighth victory in nine VNL matches played thus far. This impressive record elevates their standing points to 22, solidifying their position near the top of the league table and comfortably out of reach of teams currently trailing in the qualification race, such as Czechia.
Individual brilliance was certainly on display for the Turkish side. Opposite hitter Ebrar Karakurt delivered an outstanding performance, leading all scorers in the match with an impressive 21 points. Her points tally included 19 kills, one block, and a service ace – a truly impactful contribution in a three-set encounter. Fellow opposite Melissa Vargas also provided crucial support, adding 13 points from ten kills, two blocks, and an ace. The combined firepower of these two players proved a significant challenge for the Dutch defense.
Speaking after the match, Ebrar Karakurt commented on the atmosphere and performance: “Tonight’s match was really incredible. We love to play in Apeldoorn because a lot of Turkish people come here to support us. The first match is always difficult, and the Netherlands are a great team. It’s great that we got to start with a 3-0 victory, and I hope that we continue like this until the end of the week.” Her remarks underscore the team`s focus and appreciation for the strong support they received.
For the Netherlands, opposite Elles Dambrink was their most productive player, registering 15 points (14 kills, one ace). Team captain and outside hitter Nika Daalderop also reached double digits with 11 points. Despite their best efforts, the Dutch team could not contain the formidable Turkish offense.
Around the VNL Courts
In other matches held the same day in Apeldoorn, Serbia claimed their first victory of VNL 2025 with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Czechia (22-25, 25-22, 28-26, 25-18). Italy also secured a comfortable 3-0 victory against Belgium (25-19, 25-15, 25-18), further solidifying their own place in the Finals.
Across the Atlantic, in Arlington, USA, the third week of VNL action also commenced with a demanding five-set match. Germany narrowly defeated Canada 3-2 (24-26, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 15-13). This result places Germany in a much stronger position for VNL Finals qualification, currently sitting in sixth place with five wins. Canada, on the other hand, faces a challenging path to the Finals from 15th place and must also consider the implications for relegation in the 18-team league.
Leading the charge for Germany in their five-set win was outside hitter Lina Alsmeier, who delivered a match-high 26 points, an impressive 25 of which came from kills. Fellow outside hitter Lena Stigrot also contributed significantly with 14 kills. Canada’s scoring was led by 21-year-old opposite Anna Smrek with 20 points (17 kills, two blocks, one ace), supported by middle blocker Nyadholi Thokbuom (16 points) and outside hitter Abagayle Guezen (15 points).
VNL action continues throughout the week in both Apeldoorn and Arlington as teams vie for the remaining spots in the Finals. Türkiye`s early qualification sends a clear message: the defending champions are once again a force to be reckoned with.
