OPPOSITE hitter Alan de Souza tallied 12 points as he towed world no. 3 Brazil to a convincing 25-11, 25-22, 25-18 downing of Czechia on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Brazilian spikers’ second straight victory in Group H of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship brought them close to the tournament’s Round of 16 and a chance to improve on their third-place finish three years ago.
De Souza’s performances included 10 kills, one block and one ace for the Brazilians, who need to win at least two sets in their last pool play match against Serbia on Thursday to make it to the next stage.
“I think our consistency at the service line was the key today,” said outside hitter and skipper Ricardo Lucarelli.
The Brazilians dominated from start to finish, outscoring the Czechs in all areas — kills, (41-30), blocks (8-5) and aces (5-2), forcing their opponents to 21 errors.
Meanwhile, Argentina edged Korea, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21, 25-18, over at the Araneta Coliseum.
In posting win no. 2 in Pool C, the Argentineans are also close to a round of 16 slot.
But they will still have to deal with Paris Olympic champions France on Thursday to make it to the next phase.
Opposite Pablo Kukartsev led the South American offense against the Koreans, producing a match-high 21 points, with 16 kills, three blocks and two aces.
Earlier, World no. 1 Poland posted its second victory over Qatar, 25-21, 25-14, 25-19, in Pool B, to qualify to the next round, late Monday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Outside hitter Kamil Semeniuk eked out 13 points off 11 kills and two aces for the Poles.
