CHICAGO, June 26 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese men's volleyball team lost 3-0 to seventh-ranked Brazil at the 2025 Volleyball Men's Nations League (VNL) Chicago leg on Thursday.
From the outset, Brazil demonstrated superiority in offensive efficiency, first-pass stability and tactical execution. With several key Chinese players absent, the substitute lineup showed clear inexperience and a technical gap. Brazil won the first two sets 25-22 and 25-16.
China, ranked 22nd in the world, briefly led 15-11 in the third set thanks to Wen Zihua's back-row attack and Zhai Dejun's powerful strikes. However, Brazil adjusted its serving and blocking strategy, ultimately blocking Wen's spike at a critical moment to claim the third set 25-23.
"I think we performed very well. We played well against strong teams and showed our own level," setter Yu Yaochen said after the match. "I think we played the third set better. After losing the first two sets, we went all out to challenge the opponent in the third set, and everyone did their best."
China's Belgian head coach Vital Heynen said he was not unsatisfied. "I know Brazil and Italy will be (strong competitors). That's the world champion."
China had to play the United States and Brazil within 15 hours. "You have to ask yourself in which sport is a team obliged to play too important, too strong match in 15 hours, that's really hard load.
"And we had some small injuries from yesterday (against U.S. team). We had one more injury during the match today... So at the end, you play with a lot of guys who are not playing too much. I think they did good. We were close to win the set last," he said.
"I think it's a process. I didn't find that we were starting good, but during the match [we are growing] better and better," Heynen commented. "I saw good things for my team."
China is scheduled to face Italy on Friday. ■
