The Brazilian women’s volleyball team faces Germany in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Thursday, July 24, at 3:00 PM (Brasília time) at the Atlas Arena in Lodz, Poland. The decisive match, which determines a semifinal spot, will be broadcast live on SporTV2 and the VBTV streaming platform. Led by coach José Roberto Guimarães, Brazil aims to maintain its strong campaign, with 11 wins in 12 preliminary phase matches, while Germany, ranked seventh, seeks an upset. The match promises intensity, with a history of close encounters and the absence of Brazilian outside hitter Ana Cristina, who is injured. The game is crucial for Brazil’s ambition to win the competition’s elusive title.
Brazil arrives confident after a solid preliminary phase, while the Germans, under coach Lina Alsmeier, have shown resilience against top teams. The recent rivalry, marked by competitive matches, heightens expectations for the duel. Brazilian fans, even from afar, follow with enthusiasm, supported by accessible broadcasts and real-time coverage.
- Live broadcast: SporTV2 and VBTV, with specialized narration and commentary.
- Tickets: Available on the FIVB’s official website for the Atlas Arena.
- Venue and time: Lodz, Poland, at 3:00 PM (Brasília time).
Brazil’s preparation has been intense, focusing on neutralizing Germany’s attack and maintaining the defensive consistency that defined their campaign.
Decisive duel in Lodz
The Brazil vs. Germany clash takes place at the Atlas Arena, a modern venue hosting the VNL 2025 final phase from July 23 to 27. Brazil, second in the preliminary phase with 31 points, faces a seventh-placed German team with 23 points and seven wins. The absence of Ana Cristina, sidelined by a left knee meniscus injury, demands tactical adjustments, with players like Gabi Guimarães and Thaisa Daher taking on greater offensive roles.
Germany, coached by Giulio Bregoli, relies on its attacking duo of Lina Alsmeier and Anastasia Cekulaev, who have stood out for their power and consistency. Bregoli has prepared the team to exploit potential gaps in Brazil’s defense, particularly in blocking. The historical balance between the teams suggests a high-level match, with sets likely decided by fine margins.
Where to watch the match live
Brazilian fans have multiple options to follow the game. SporTV2 offers full coverage with narration by Eusébio Resende and commentary by Marco Freitas, ensuring an immersive experience. For streaming, VBTV provides live broadcasts and replays with a subscription. Additionally, ge.globo.com offers real-time updates with play-by-play coverage, perfect for those seeking instant updates.
- TV channels: SporTV2, starting at 3:00 PM (Brasília time).
- Streaming: VBTV, with access to highlights and replays.
- Digital coverage: Real-time updates on ge.globo.com.
- Fan interaction: Use the hashtag #VNL2025 on social media.
Fans attending in person can purchase tickets through the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) website, though most spectators are expected to be local due to the 8:00 PM local time in Poland.
Probable lineups for the match
Led by José Roberto Guimarães, Brazil is expected to maintain the lineup that defeated Belgium 3-1 in the VNL’s second stage. Libero Marcelle bolsters the defense, while Gabi Guimarães, Thaisa Daher, and Lorena Viezel are key in attack and blocking. Ana Cristina’s absence, as the team’s top scorer in the first phase, requires greater contributions from Julia Bergmann and Helena.
Germany, under Giulio Bregoli, fields a balanced lineup, with highlights including:
- Lina Alsmeier: Top scorer, averaging 15 points per match.
- Anastasia Cekulaev: Central with a strong blocking presence.
- Monique Strubbe: Setter orchestrating Germany’s attack.
The exact lineup will be confirmed hours before the match, but both teams’ tactical consistency promises a strategic showdown.
Head-to-head history
The two teams have a history of closely contested matches. Since 2015, Brazil and Germany have faced off 12 times, with seven Brazilian victories and five German wins. In the VNL, Brazil leads with four wins to Germany’s three. All eight recent encounters saw at least one set won by each team, highlighting the competitiveness.
In the VNL 2025 first phase at Maracanãzinho, Brazil won 3-2, with sets of 25/23, 21/25, 23/25, 25/20, and 15/8. Gabi Guimarães, with 24 points, and Lorena Viezel, with five blocks, were pivotal. Germany showed strength with Alsmeier scoring 18 points. This balance demands caution from Brazil, which lost to Germany in 2018 and 2019 but holds a five-game VNL winning streak since 2021.
Recent team results
Brazil had a strong preliminary phase in VNL 2025, with 11 wins in 12 matches. Their last five results include:
- Victory over Belgium (3-1) in the third week.
- Victory over Japan (3-0) in the third week.
- Loss to Italy (2-3) in the second week.
- Victory over Poland (3-1) in the second week.
- Victory over Germany (3-2) in the first week.
Germany, with seven wins in 12 matches, had a more uneven performance:
- Victory over South Korea (3-0) in the first week.
- Loss to Italy (2-3) in the first week.
- Victory over Serbia (3-1) in the second week.
- Loss to Poland (1-3) in the second week.
- Victory over Canada (3-2) in the third week.
These results reinforce Brazil’s favoritism, but Germany’s ability to upset strong teams keeps the match unpredictable.
Refereeing and technology
The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) assigned experienced referees for the match, with the head referee to be confirmed hours before the start. The video review system (volleyball’s VAR) will be active, ensuring accurate calls on net touches, lines, and blocks. The technology has been vital in the VNL, reducing errors and enhancing decision reliability.
The refereeing team includes line judges and video reviewers, all FIVB-certified. The VAR’s precision will be crucial in a match expected to have tight sets, as seen in recent encounters.
Weather conditions in Lodz
The weather forecast for July 24 in Lodz predicts clear skies, with temperatures between 18°C and 24°C at 8:00 PM local time (3:00 PM Brasília time). Humidity is expected at around 60%, with no rain forecast. As the Atlas Arena is climate-controlled, external conditions will not affect player performance, ensuring an ideal setting for the match.
Match curiosities
The Brazil vs. Germany duel brings compelling stories and details that enrich the rivalry:
- Close matches: Since 2018, all VNL encounters had at least one set decided by two points.
- Expanded competition: VNL 2025 is the first edition with 18 teams, increasing competitiveness.
- Brazilian pursuit: Brazil seeks its first VNL title after three runner-up finishes (2019, 2021, 2022).
- German standout: Lina Alsmeier, at 22, is the youngest player to lead Germany’s VNL scoring.
These factors heighten anticipation for a match that could be a turning point in Brazil’s title campaign.
Match prediction
Based on recent performance and history, Brazil enters as the favorite, bolstered by its defensive consistency and attacking strength from players like Gabi and Thaisa. Germany, however, has the potential to extend the match, especially if they capitalize on their blocking efficiency. A Brazilian victory by 3 sets to 1 is expected, with competitive sets and a possible tie-break if Germany seizes opportunities.
Semifinal preparation
The winner will face Japan or Turkey in the semifinals on July 26, also in Lodz. The VNL 2025 final phase, played in a knockout format, features the top eight teams, with Poland guaranteed as the host. Brazil, second only to Italy in the preliminary phase, aims to maintain momentum to reach the final on July 27.
Ana Cristina’s absence requires adjustments, but Brazil’s deep roster, with veterans like Thaisa and young talents like Julia Bergmann, keeps the team competitive. Germany must overcome the pressure of facing a favorite to advance.
