Cuba pulls off another comeback, Canada lets victory slip away

June 27, 2025. – Cuba staged yet another comeback, defeating the Netherlands 3-1, while Canada let a two-set lead slip away and fell 2-3 to Poland.

Cuba, the kings of comebacks, claim another victim in Belgrade!

Cuba heads into the weekend with plenty to celebrate after securing their third consecutive comeback win this Friday in Belgrade during Week 2 of the 2025 Men’s VNL.

Playing for the third day in a row at Belgrade Arena, Cuba recovered from dropping the first set to defeat the Netherlands 3-1 (21-25, 25-18, 25-21, 30-28). It was a repeat of their performances against Germany on Wednesday and Serbia on Thursday, three straight comeback victories.

With nine points earned this week alone and 12 points total (four wins, three losses), Cuba now sits in sixth place in the overall 2025 VNL standings.

“It was really tough,” admitted middle blocker David Fiel. “The first two matches were very demanding, both physically and mentally. But today we came out determined to win. It didn’t matter how, what mattered was getting the victory. We have a great team, and everyone can contribute, as they did today.”

Cuba won as they usually do, by dominating at the net. They outperformed the Netherlands in attacks (64-57), blocks (13-6), and also led in aces (3-2). This edge allowed them to overcome their 27 errors, compared to 21 from the Dutch side.

VNL 2025’s top scorer, outside hitter Marlon Yant, shined once again, leading Cuba with 21 points (20 kills and 1 block). He was supported by José Masso with 17 points, José Gutiérrez with 15, and middle blocker Roamy Alonso with 14, in a strong collective performance.

Canada lets two-set lead slip away and falls to Poland

Canada wasted a two-set lead and eventually lost in a tie-break (32-30, 25-14, 17-25, 23-25, 13-15) against Poland.

The Canadians outperformed the Europeans from the service line (11 aces to 6) but were outscored in attacks (60-57) and blocks (12-8). In unforced errors, Canada benefited from 34 opponent errors while conceding 31 themselves.

Xander Ketrzynski led Canada with 20 points, including 19 kills and one ace. Brodie Hofer contributed 18 points (15 kills, 1 block, and 3 aces). Canadian captain Eric Loeppky also reached double digits, scoring 14 points (8 kills, 3 blocks, and 3 aces).

The loss leaves Canada in 14th place with a record of two wins and five losses.

Saturday, June 28 schedule

Only one match is scheduled for Saturday, June 28: USA vs. Poland at 7:30 p.m. (local time) in Chicago. Cuba and Canada have the day off.