The Poland-Argentina men’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) match this week brought a new tournament record after the first set lasted 98 rallies and reached 50-48.
While Argentina stole the opening frame, the reigning VNL champions quickly found their rhythm again and went on to win the match in four sets, 48-50, 26-24, 25-19, 25-20, in front of their own supporters in Gliwice, Poland.
An impressive record
Turkey and Germany held the previous record, which happened during their match in the 2024 VNL competition.
The second match of the set reached the 44-42 mark, with Turkey winning the second frame.
However, Turkey lost to Germany in five sets, 22-25, 44-42, 25-23, 19-25, 12-15.
The record-breaking win helped Poland secure third place in the current VNL standings, with six wins, two losses, and 17 points.
The victory also cemented Poland’s No.1 spot in the current FIVB World Ranking.
Meanwhile, Japan remained undefeated after the second week of the men’s VNL tournament with eight wins and 20 points.
The United States are in second place with six wins, two losses, and 19 points.
Hero returns
Polish volleyball star Wilfredo Leon also returned for the team and tallied 17 points in front of the 11,000 people who watched the historic VNL match.
Leon was initially part of the Cuban national team from 2007 to 2012 before receiving Polish citizenship in July 2015.
However, he only made his debut for Poland’s national team four years after receiving citizenship.
Leon backed teammate Bartlomiej “Bartek” Boladz’s 21 points to help secure the win for Poland.
Both players are expected to lead their squad once again as the third and final week of the VNL preliminary phase starts in a few weeks.
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Polish team heads to Chicago
Head coach Nikola Grbić announced that he will only utilize 16 players for Poland’s remaining preliminary matches in Chicago.
Opposite hitters Kevin Sasak and Bartosz Boladz will try to lead their squad and secure crucial wins against Bulgaria, Brazil, France, and the United States.
Middle blockers Jakub Nowak and Mateusz Poreba are also expected to step up for the team after their improved performances during their past few games.
Grbić said that the Polish team will conduct a few days of intense training in Spala and will face Germany for a friendly match on July 10 before flying to the United States for the final round of the preliminary phase.
The Polish team opens its campaign for a spot in the Final Eight against Bulgaria on July 16, followed by Brazil on July 18 and France on July 19.
The squad will end its campaign in the VNL preliminary phase against hosts USA on July 20.
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