Ukraine smashes Algeria at Volleyball World Championship — Here's how it happened
Ukraine's national volleyball team (photo: facebook.com/Ukrainian volleyball federation)
Ukraine's national volleyball team claimed a historic victory at the 2025 World Championship. In the second round of the group stage, the "blue-yellows" left no chance for Algeria, winning 3-0 in sets.
Important win to keep playoff hopes alive
The Ukrainian team is participating in the World Championship finals for the third time in history. In Group F, the squad is fighting for a playoff spot along with reigning world champion Italy, as well as Belgium and Algeria.
After an opening loss to Belgium (0-3), the match against Algeria became key in the battle to continue in the tournament.
The African team is ranked 87th in the world, and for Ukraine, victory was a must to keep hopes of advancing alive.
How the match went
The start of the first set was tense: Ukrainians made errors in attack, while Algeria earned points with blocks.
However, midway through the set, the "blue-yellows" picked up their game and pulled ahead by four points, eventually closing it convincingly at 25-17.
In the second set, Ukraine immediately seized the initiative. Midway through, the team went on a six-point run and calmly finished with a confident 25-12 win.
The third set became a show for Ukrainian fans. With Vasyl Tupchii serving, the team scored 12 break points in a row, essentially deciding the outcome. The set ended in a crushing 25-11.
The top scorer for Ukraine was outside hitter Dmytro Yanchuk, who tallied 18 points.
Double-digit numbers also came from Vasyl Tupchii (12) and Yurii Semeniuk (11).
Standings
After two rounds in Group F, Belgium and Italy lead with one win each in their opening matches (3 points).
Ukraine also has three points but trails in set difference. Algeria remains winless.
Group F results (second round):
- Ukraine – Algeria 3:0 (25:17, 25:12, 25:11)
- Belgium – 1 win (1 match), 3 points (3:0)
- Italy – 1 win (1 match), 3 points (3:0)
- Ukraine – 1 win (2 matches), 3 points (3:3)
- Algeria – 0 wins (0 matches), 0 points
Next opponent
Ukraine will play its decisive group stage match on Thursday, September 18, against reigning world champion Italy.
The match starts at 4:30 PM Kyiv time. A win in this clash could open the path to the World Championship playoffs for the "blue-yellows."
