By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Brazil and Argentina powered past their rivals to stay unbeaten in their respective brackets at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at separate venues.
The Brazilians crushed Czechia, 25-11, 25-22, 25-18, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, while the Argentinians downed South Korea, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21, 25-18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City to post their second wins in as many games in Pool H and C, respectively.
Alan Souza and Arthur Bento Buczmiejuk led Brazil’s assault with 21 points in a fitting follow-up to the team’s four-set win over China over the weekend where they tallied 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Flavio Resende Gualberto took charge of their defense, tallying five of the team’s eight blocks to manage with eight points.
With six points from the two wins, the three-time world champions are close to advancing to the next stage.
Czechia, for its part, fell to a 1-1 card after a straight-set win over Serbia a few days back, with Lukas Vasina the lone double-digit scorer with 14 points.
Brazil seeks a sweep of the group stage and a spot in the Round of 16 when it tackles Serbia on Thursday, Sept. 18, even as Czechia also tries to stay alive when it battles China on the same day.
Meanwhile, hard-hitting Pablo Kukartsev bannered Argentina’s offensive with a match-high 21 points built on 16 kills, three blocks and two aces. Luciano Vicentin provided ample support and contributed 20 points.
The victory improved Argentina to five points ahead of their match against France on Thursday.
The French, however, can give Argentina an automatic ticket to the next round if they top Finland, who have one point, later on Tuesday.
Outside hitter Heo Subong was the lone bright spot for South Korea with 17 points, while opposite Im Donghyeok got 15 points.
The South Koreans absorbed their second straight loss to kiss their Round of 16 bid goodbye.
