China vs Germany

The third set could have shifted momentum if China had carried it forward, but Germany broke the Chinese serve-receive early in the fourth set with a 6-1 run. China never recovered, and the match was effectively over by the first technical timeout.

Yann Böhme led Germany's scoring with a match-high contribution from the opposite position, while outside hitter Tobias Brand provided crucial kills in transition. Erik Röhrs added steady support on the left side.

For China, opposite attacker Zhang Jingyin carried much of the offensive load, but lacked the supporting firepower to close the gap against a disciplined German block.

Germany's 3-1 win mirrors their set scores from their previous victory over Belgium (26 June), where they also conceded a middle set before closing strongly. China's set tally across their six losses now stands at just eight sets won from seven matches — the second-worst ratio in the competition behind Cuba.

Germany finish Week 2 at 3-4 overall with 9 points, tied with Belgium on points but ahead on set ratio. They sit 13th in the 18-team standings. Their next match is in Week 3 — opponent and venue to be confirmed.

China drop to 1-6 and 4 points, anchored in 17th place. Their only win remains the 3-1 victory over Cuba in Linyi in Week 1. They will also continue in Week 3 of the preliminary round.

Germany were the sharper, more cohesive side across four sets. China competed in patches but lack the consistency to sustain pressure against mid-table VNL opposition. This was a deserved win for Massimo Botti's side.