Bulgaria ousts USA, books first FIVB Men’s World semis in 19 years

MANILA, Philippines, September 26 ------ leksandar Nikolov erupted with 29 points to send Bulgaria to the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship semifinal for the first time in 19 years. Down two sets, the Nikolov brothers and the Bulgarians never wavered, pulling off a 21-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13 comeback to stun World No. 4 USA before a loud crowd of 10,474 at Mall of Asia Arena. “I’m lost for words. This looked like it was going to be the absolute worst game of my career. And then, thanks to my incredible teammates, I managed to come back in a game and show why I’ve been scoring in all these recent games because USA completely stopped me in the first and second sets,” said Aleksandar. “A huge shout-out and thanks to my teammates who pulled me out of the mud, basically.”

Aleksandar fired 26 kills, two aces, and a block as Bulgaria set up a semifinal showdown against Czechia on Saturday. His younger brother Moni, an 18-year-old setter, produced 48 excellent sets and scored five points, including a kill and block that fueled Bulgaria’s strong 6-3 start in the deciding set. Georgi Tatarov also chipped in seven points, delivering back-to-back hits that put Bulgaria at match point, 14-10, before the Americans saved three straight points. Iliya Petkov, whose earlier block was overturned by a USA challenge to cut the lead to one, 14-13, sealed the victory with a quick attack.

Asparuh Asparuhov had 12 points, while Petkov added 10 for Bulgaria. Currently ranked No. 11 in the world, Bulgaria advanced into the Top 4 for the first time since winning bronze in 2006 in Japan, when the Nikolov brothers’ father, Vladimir, was still part of the national team. The country is now eyeing its first finals appearance since its silver medal finish in 1970. It was another heartbreaking early exit for the Americans, who bowed out in the quarterfinal for the second straight World Championship, again in a five-set loss, after falling 3-2 to Poland in 2022.

Ethan Champlin led the USA with 17 points. Jordan Ewert chipped in 15 points, while Merrick McHenry added 12. The Americans were anchored by Micah Christenson, who had 55 excellent sets, as Gabi Garcia was limited to nine points following a 26-point explosion in the round of 16.

Source: inquirer.net