The fourth day of the #EuroVolleyU16W tournament in Prishtina, Kosovo, was marked by intense battles, with three matches going the full five sets. Czechia maintained their perfect record in Pool II, securing their fourth consecutive victory. Türkiye and Montenegro also emerged victorious from their tiebreakers against Hungary and Croatia, respectively. In Pool I, held in Tirana, Italy matched Czechia`s flawless performance by defeating Poland 3-1 in a significant encounter.
Following a rest day on Saturday, Pool II action resumed spectacularly on Sunday in Prishtina. Montenegro outlasted Croatia in a dramatic five-set match (24-26, 27-25, 25-21, 23-25, 15-12). Croatia came into the match with momentum from two consecutive wins, while Montenegro aimed to recover from two defeats. The first set was tight, with Croatia winning 26-24, but Montenegro responded strongly, taking the second (27-25) and third (25-21) sets with effective blocking and offense. Croatia showed resilience, winning the fourth set 25-23 to force a decider. Montenegro remained composed under pressure in the final set, securing a 15-12 win for their second victory in Pool II. Both Montenegro and Croatia now hold a record of two wins and two losses.
Czechia extended their undefeated run in Pool II with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Greece (30-28, 17-25, 25-21, 13-25, 15-13) in one of the tournament`s most balanced and intense matches. The first set was a lengthy, high-level battle, narrowly won by Czechia 30-28. Greece responded forcefully in the second set, dominating to win 25-17 and level the match. Czechia regained rhythm in the third set, executing smart plays and showing composure to win 25-21. Greece bounced back emphatically in the fourth, crushing it 25-13 to force a fifth set. The final set was full of drama, with both teams fighting hard. Czechia held their nerve, closing the decider 15-13 to claim their fourth straight victory, remaining unbeaten and atop the Pool II standings. Greece, now with two wins and two losses, again demonstrated their quality and fighting spirit by pushing a top team to five sets.
In the day`s third five-set match, Türkiye secured a crucial 3-2 victory (25-17, 25-12, 17-25, 19-25, 15-11) against a determined Hungarian comeback. Türkiye started authoritatively, dominating the first two sets (25-17, 25-12) with strong serving, defense, and offense. Hungary, recovering from a previous loss, regrouped impressively in the third set, showing form that earned them earlier wins. With improved energy and tactics, Hungary claimed the next two sets (25-17, 25-19) to force a tie-break. In the decider, Türkiye regained control with focused execution, pulling away late to win 15-11 and take the match, securing their third victory in Pool II. Türkiye now has three wins and one loss, keeping their semifinal hopes alive. Hungary drops to two wins and two losses, making their path to the next round more complicated but still possible.
In the final Pool II match, Slovenia earned their first win with a 3-0 victory over host nation Kosovo (25-17, 25-8, 25-19). After three losses, Slovenia delivered a composed and focused performance. They won the first set 25-17, capitalizing on Kosovo`s errors. The second set was dominated by Slovenia, winning 25-8. Kosovo showed more resistance in the third, but Slovenia maintained composure to close the set 25-19, sealing their first competition win. Slovenia`s record is now one win and three losses, while Kosovo remains winless after four matches, continuing to gain valuable experience on the continental stage.
With three rounds of group play remaining, Pool II in Prishtina is set for a dramatic finish as teams battle for the two spots in the semi-finals.