FROM world number one to the global conclave’s number three.
Poland secured the bronze medal by besting underdog Czechia, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21, at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship battle for third on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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Wilfredo Leon saved his best for last with 22 points on 19 attacks and three blocks in the former Cuban star’s first taste of the world stage with Poland.
But by his sky-high standards, finishing third in the World Championship isn’t something one should smile about.
“I prepare myself always to win tournaments. I don’t prepare myself for second or third place,” Leon said. “Happy to come back after losing to Italy. It was a spectacular game against Czechia but overall, no, I am not happy.
“We need to be focused from the beginning to the end. We lost our concentration so I’m a little bit disappointed.”
The Poles failed to atone for their 2022 finals loss as the world’s top-ranked team got swept by Italy in their grudge match, 23-25, 22-25, 21-25.
Lukas Vasina had 15 points on 14 attacks and one block as Czechia matched it’s best World Championship finish in 55 years as Czechoslovakia at the time.
Poland’s bronze-medal win trimmed its lead in the world rankings but won’t be enough to dislodge them as the No. 1 team even if No. 2 Italy ends up winning the world title.
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