Czechia and Türkiye have advanced to the semi-finals of the CEV U16 Volleyball European Championship 2025, securing their spots after impressive victories on Thursday in Prishtina. Czechia defeated Hungary 3-0 (25-16, 25-23, 25-23) in their final Pool II match. Later that evening, Türkiye also secured a 3-0 win against hosts Kosovo. In the upcoming semi-finals, Czechia will face Poland, the second-placed team from Pool I, while Türkiye will challenge Italy, who remain undefeated with a perfect seven-win record in the group stage.
Czechia made amends for their setback a day earlier to finish the pool stage in emphatic style on a 6-1 win-loss record.
Needing a win to ensure a top-two finish after one loss, Czechia rose to the occasion. They began strongly, winning the first set 25-16 through precise execution and strategic play. Hungary, fighting to keep their faint semi-final hopes alive, put up a strong challenge in the second and third sets. These sets featured intense rallies and powerful serves from both teams. However, Czechia maintained composure at crucial moments, closing both sets 25-23 to secure a decisive straight-sets victory. This win puts Czechia at an impressive 6-1 record for the group stage, guaranteeing their semi-final berth. Hungary concludes their tournament with a 3-4 record, narrowly missing out on qualification despite several strong showings.
Türkiye also secured their semi-final spot with a dominant 3-0 win (25-14, 25-14, 25-13) against hosts Kosovo in their last Pool II match. Facing the imperative of a victory to qualify, Türkiye played with intensity and precision. They quickly took control of the first set, winning 25-14, thanks to effective serving and strong net play. While Kosovo, participating in their first European Championship, displayed resilience before their home fans, Türkiye`s superior skill and tactical prowess were ultimately decisive. The subsequent sets unfolded similarly, with Türkiye consistently closing them out 25-14 and 25-13. This outcome places Türkiye second in Pool II with a 5-2 record, ensuring their progression to the semi-finals. Despite not securing a win, Kosovo earned valuable experience and commendation for their dedication and development throughout the tournament.
With Pool II concluding in Prishtina, Czechia and Türkiye now advance to the knockout stage in Tirana, where they will compete against Pool I`s top two teams, Italy and Poland, for the European U16 title.
Türkiye secured a comprehensive victory over hosts Kosovo to seal their spot in the semis.
Other Pool II Matches
Slovenia concluded their Pool II matches with a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory (25-22, 15-25, 15-25, 29-27, 16-14) against Montenegro in a five-set epic in Prishtina. Slovenia began well, winning the first set 25-22 with strong offense and defense. Montenegro then dominated the next two sets, winning both 25-15, taking a commanding lead. Facing elimination, Slovenia staged a remarkable recovery in the fourth set, saving several match points to win a grueling 29-27 and force a fifth set. The tie-break was equally tense, but Slovenia held their composure to win 16-14, securing their third tournament victory. Both Slovenia and Montenegro finish group play with identical 3-4 records, ultimately missing out on semi-final qualification.
Croatia ended their Pool II campaign with a strong 3-1 victory (25-10, 18-25, 25-10, 25-14) over Greece in Prishtina. Croatia started explosively, winning the first set 25-10 with aggressive serving and excellent net play. Greece regrouped in the second set, improving their reception and building momentum to win 25-18, leveling the match. However, this was Greece`s last significant push. Croatia roared back in the third set with another dominant 25-10 performance, showcasing superior organization and intensity. The fourth set saw Croatia maintain control, closing the match 25-14. Croatia concludes Pool II with a 4-3 record, matching Greece`s record, and finishing third, with Greece in fourth.
