[Video/Ningbo Daily]

The city of Ningbo is setting the stage for a historic showdown, as it prepares to host for the first time the 2025 Volleyball Nations League or VNL Men's Finals — the climax of the premier annual competition for the world's national volleyball teams.

At a pre-match news conference held on July 29 in Beilun district of Ningbo, representatives from the participating national teams gathered, along with China's head coach Vital Heynen.

The Chinese team, returning to the finals after a six-year gap, will take on Brazil in a knockout match on July 30 at 7:00 pm.

Despite finishing 17th in the preliminary phase of the competition with three wins and nine losses, China qualified as the host nation. Brazil, the 2021 VNL champion, posted an impressive 11-1 victory record in the first stage of the tournament. 

China coach Heynen remarked that the moment was a very special one for his squad as it prepared to compete against some of the world's best teams. He said he had encouraged his players to view the tournament as an opportunity to grow and enjoy the sport.

Chinese team member Wang Hebin said the support of the home crowd served as both motivation and pressure. He felt the team had the advantage of playing on familiar ground and added that all the players were determined to give it their very best.

Brazilian player Ricardo Lucarelli, after arriving in Ningbo on July 27, said his team had already begun adapting to local conditions. He believed the venue was world-class and was impressed by Ningbo's vibrant cityscape, especially at night.

Lucarelli added that he looked forward to the match, expecting an exciting atmosphere with a large number of spectators.