In a thrilling display of teamwork and resilience, China's men's volleyball team clinched a historic 3-0 victory over Serbia at the FIVB Men's Volleyball Nations League in Xi'an, located in the Chinese mainland's Shaanxi Province. This win was even more special as it coincided with head coach Vital Heynen's 56th birthday – a double celebration indeed! 🥳🏐
After a tough 3-0 setback against world No. 6 Japan just 24 hours earlier, the Chinese squad bounced back with renewed energy. Veteran Ji Daoshuai set the tone in the opening set by scoring eight crucial points, helping China edge a nail-biting 25-23 win. With another close 25-23 set, the team gained momentum. When Serbia called a timeout in the third set, trailing 13-18, it allowed China to buckle down and seal the set 25-20, completing a remarkable sweep.
Serbia, ranked world No. 10 and historically dominant in previous encounters against China, appeared worn out after a grueling five-set win the night before. As coach Heynen pointed out, having the home advantage and better energy levels played a major role. The post-match scene was electric—fans cheered, high-fived, and even sang a heartfelt "Happy Birthday" to Heynen, who graciously credited his players for their standout performance.
With this win, China not only celebrated a memorable birthday but also earned a significant points boost, moving up to world No. 20, while Serbia slipped to 12th. The match showcased smart play and composure under pressure, setting an encouraging tone for China's future in the league. Keep an eye out—this team's momentum is just getting started! 🔥
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
