The Sultans of the Net continue to make history! The goal is the championship

Created: September 07, 2025 07:00

The National Women's Volleyball Team, a source of pride for Turkish sports in recent times, added another historic first to its roster and advanced to the World Championship finals. Facing Japan in the semifinals of the tournament held in Thailand, the Sultans of the Net defeated their Ferhat Akbaş-coached opponent 3-1. Our Crescent-Star team will face Italy , who defeated Brazil 3-2 in the other semifinal, for the world championship today at 3:30 PM Turkish time. The match will be broadcast live on TRT 1.

WE TOOK THE ADVANTAGE IN THE SECOND SET

The national team started the match in Bangkok sluggishly, making serious defensive errors and, with the exception of Melissa Vargas, being ineffective offensively. The first set ended with Japan leading 25-16. The Sultans, with their better blocking in the second set, overwhelmed their opponent with the offensive input of Ebrar, Eda, and Zehra, and took a 25-17 lead in that set. Vargas and Eda were the stars of the third set, winning 25-18 to take a 2-1 lead. As expected, the fourth set was a closely contested affair.

VARGAS WAS THE STAR IN THE HISTORIC VICTORY

Despite falling behind against Japan, which played with all its might, the Sultans held on, securing a set point at 24-24. The next set, which went back and forth between the two teams, saw the national team win 27-25, securing a 3-1 victory and advancing to the final. Vargas led the way with 28 points for the Crescent Stars, while Eda and Ebrar each chipped in 13, and Zehra chipped in 12. For Japan, Wada added 22 points, and İshikawa added 19. Japan will play Brazil for third place today at 11:30 a.m. Turkish time.

TVF PRESIDENT ÜSTÜNDAĞ: WE MUST WIN THE CUP

Mehmet Akif Üstündağ, President of the Turkish Volleyball Federation (TVF), said, "This pride cannot be described; it must be experienced. We believed and fought until the last ball. We said, 'This team deserves a place in the final.' And indeed, it did. We've secured the silver medal, but that's not enough; we need to win the trophy. We have the strength and determination to win it."

SANTARELLI: MAYBE WE ARE NOT PERFECT, BUT WE ARE TURKEY

Head coach of the Turkish National Women's Volleyball Team, Daniele Santarelli, expressed his pride in his players who advanced to the World Championship finals, saying, "I've said it since the first day: We're a little crazy. Maybe we're not perfect, but we're Turkey. We know we can beat anyone." Expressing his feelings after the 3-1 semifinal victory over Japan , the Italian coach said, "I have great confidence in my team. I saw that we could reach the finals with them. I truly believed it."

WE KNOW OUR LIMITS

I think what we did is incredible. I tried to give the players confidence when we were down. I saw Ebrar very nervous. I told the players, 'We can do it, calm down.' I think what happened today was very good for us. That's what sports can give—so much emotion. I think today is a great day for the Turkish people. I hope a lot of people follow us in the final and give us all the positive energy they can. We know our limits very well. We know we can beat anyone. I've said it from day one: We're a little crazy. Maybe we're not perfect, but we are Turkey.

CAPTAIN EDA ERDEM: WE GOT TO THE FINAL WITH OUR INTELLIGENCE

Eda Erdem, captain of the Sultans of the Net, said, "We made it to the finals with flying colors. There was incredible effort and fight. We continue to be a team of firsts. I'm very proud of this team. It was a fantastic fight. Even when we were trailing, we never lost faith. We continue to make great comebacks. I hope luck will be on our side in the finals."