Brazil tops Slovenia for VNL 2025 bronze medal in Ningbo

Bernadette Soriano

After dropping the first set, Brazil secured the bronze medal at the Volleyball Nations League 2025, claiming a hard-fought 23-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19 win over Slovenia in the third-place playoff in Ningbo, China, August 3.

It marked Brazil’s second podium finish in VNL history after their gold-medal triumph in 2021, while Slovenia was denied a maiden medal, settling for a third fourth-place finish following similar outcomes in 2021 and 2024.

The South Americans leaned on the firepower of opposite hitter Alan Souza, who led all Brazilian scorers with 18 points.

He tallied 16 kills on 52% efficiency, added one ace, and chipped in a kill block, proving instrumental in the comeback effort.

Middle blocker Matheus Bispo dos Santos anchored Brazil’s net defense, registering a match-high four blocks. 

He also contributed an ace and six kills at a 55% conversion rate to finish with 11 points.

Despite controlling much of the opening set, Brazil faltered late as Slovenia mounted a timely surge to snatch the frame.

In the second, Brazil tightened their sideout game and regained rhythm from the service line to level the match.

The third set was the tactical fulcrum. Slovenia surged to a 10-5 lead, but Brazil clawed back with composed transition plays and superior block-read sequences.

Once they overtook at 23-22, the momentum fully tilted in their favor.

In the fourth set, the scoreline was neck-and-neck until 11-all, when Brazil strung together a five-point scoring run — fueled by aggressive serving and well-timed first-tempo playsbreaking the match open en route to sealing the bronze.

“Super!” exclaimed setter Fernando Kreling (Cachopa) in his post-match interview with VBTV. 

“This is the start of a young squad, a new cycle. Winning a medal validates the work we’ve put in. We’ve battled through tough moments, and we’re maturing as a unit. Our legs are tired, but our hearts are full. Slovenia is a top-tier team. It was never going to be easy.”

Slovenia slightly edged Brazil in attack output with 49 kills to 48, but struggled to convert at key junctures.

Outside hitter Rok Mozic led all scorers with 21 points, notching 18 kills and three stuff blocks in a standout effort.

Opposite Toncek Stern added 10 kills, but Slovenia’s serve wavered under pressure in the closing sets.

Despite the loss, Slovenia’s consistent top-four finishes affirm their position among the world’s elite, while Brazil’s bronze signals the resurgence of a new core gaining momentum on the world stage.