Portugal’s national volleyball team continues its strong run of form, scoring another victory against the Philippines on Friday. The team clinched a decisive 3-0 win, with set scores of 25-15, 28-26, and 25-23. They even played an extra set, which they also won 25-23, as both squads ramp up for the World Championship scheduled from September 12 to 28.
This latest win marks the third time Portugal has defeated the Philippines in their joint training camp held in Santo Tirso. The host nation for the World Championship has not managed to take a single set from the Portuguese team during these preparation matches. This perfect record builds confidence as the main tournament draws closer.
Coach’s Strategy and Key Players
National coach João José is using these practice matches to fine-tune Portugal’s strategy. He has been carefully managing his team, giving different players a chance to prove themselves. For example, key setters Miguel Tavares Rodrigues and Tiago Violas were rested in the latest game, allowing Bruno Dias more time on the court to develop his rhythm.
Beyond Dias, coach José frequently relies on a core group of players. This includes attackers Lourenço Martins, Kelton Tavares, and Alexandre Ferreira. Nuno Marques and Filip Cveticanin are also regular choices, with Ivo Casas expertly holding down the libero position. These players are forming strong connections ahead of the big competition.
The Road to Manila
The selection process is intense, with only 14 out of the 18 players currently in training making the final roster. This smaller group will first travel to Romania on August 27, stopping in Istanbul, Turkey, for more warm-up games. The long journey to Manila, Philippines, is set for September 2, just days before the World Championship kicks off.
Portugal finds itself in a challenging Group D at the World Championship. Their opening match on September 13, at 6:30 AM Portuguese time, is against Cuba. This game promises to be a fiery encounter, bringing back memories of their historic clashes in the World League.
The schedule gets even tougher on September 15, at 2:00 PM, when Portugal faces the USA. The American team is a powerhouse, currently ranked 3rd globally and having recently won a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Portugal will close out its group stage against Colombia on September 17, with a 3:00 AM start.
A New Era for Portuguese Volleyball
Coach João José knows exactly what it takes to compete at this level. He was part of the Portuguese team that famously finished 8th at the 2002 World Championship in Argentina. He acknowledges the tough group but has a clear goal: finish in the top two to advance in the new 32-team format of the competition.
This return to the global stage marks an exciting period for Portuguese volleyball. A new, talented generation of players is emerging, showing great promise. Their direct qualification for the 2025 World Championship and the 2026 European Championship highlights their growing strength and aims to secure their place among the sport’s top nations.