Brazil bucks slow start, escapes China in FIVB Men’s World Championship

World no. 3 Brazil recovered from a shaky first set to escape China, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-21, in the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Brazil trailed 9-15 in the opening frame and couldn’t find its rhythm early, with Bin Wang leading China with six points in that set.

However, the Brazilians kept their composure and bounced back in the next three sets to secure the win.

In Set 4, China briefly led 11-10 before Brazil reclaimed the advantage, thanks to a service error from Yongzhen Li and an attack from Henrique Honorato. A China error tied the set at 12-all, but Brazil responded with a 3-0 run to take a 15-12 lead.

From there, Brazil managed to hold off the world no. 26 despite China closing the gap to 20-22. A service error from Lei Li and an attack from Ricardo Lucarelli then pushed Brazil to match point. Shikun Peng saved one, but Judson da Cunha Jr. sealed the victory.

Arthur Bento Buczmiejuk led Brazil with 17 points built on 15 attacks, while Judson added 14 points.

Peng, meanwhile, paced China with 12 points.

Brazil will next face Czechia, while China takes on Serbia on Tuesday.

—GMA Integrated News