Overview
- Germany beat China 3-1 in Gliwice to close the second VNL station, recovering from a 1-3 loss to host Poland after an earlier 3-1 win over Belgium.
- The win leaves the German squad with an even record after eight matches, keeping them within reach of a top-eight finish in the 18-team VNL.
- Only the top seven teams plus the host advance to the season-ending Final Eight in China, so Germany must gain points in the final preliminary stage to qualify.
- Germany will travel to Belgrade for the decisive third phase beginning July 8 with matches against the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Iran and Serbia.
- Coach Massimo Botti and his players say they will use the remaining VNL matches to build form ahead of September's European Championship and to relieve pressure after last year's World Championship exit.