On Thursday, the semi-final lineup for the CEV U16 Volleyball European Championship 2025 was completed. Czechia secured their spot with a convincing 3-0 win against Hungary (25-16, 25-23, 25-23) in their final Pool II game played at the Palace of Youth and Sports in Prishtina. Türkiye also qualified later that evening by defeating hosts Kosovo 3-0. In the semi-finals, Czechia will face Poland, the second-placed team from Pool I, while Türkiye will challenge Italy, who finished the group stage undefeated with a perfect seven wins.
Czechia, needing a victory after a previous loss to secure a top-two finish, performed well under pressure. They began strongly, winning the first set 25-16 through precise play and good tactics. Hungary, needing a win themselves to keep their faint semi-final chances alive, put up a strong fight in the next two sets. Both sets were tight, featuring extended rallies and effective serving. However, Czechia maintained better composure when it mattered most, winning both the second and third sets 25-23 to secure the 3-0 sweep. This win gives Czechia a strong 6-1 record, placing them among the top teams in Pool II and sending them to the semi-finals. Hungary finished their run with a 3-4 record, narrowly missing out on qualification despite several competitive matches.
Türkiye also secured their semi-final spot with a dominant 3-0 win over hosts Kosovo (25-14, 25-14, 25-13) in their last Pool II match. Needing a win to guarantee a top-two spot, Türkiye played with intensity and concentration. They took control early in the first set, using effective serves and strong net play to win it 25-14. Kosovo, participating in their first European Championship, showed determination cheered on by their home fans, but Türkiye`s greater experience and tactical skill were decisive. The pattern continued in the second and third sets, with Türkiye maintaining high performance levels and winning them 25-14 and 25-13 respectively. This victory gives Türkiye a 5-2 record in Pool II, putting them in second place behind Czechia and qualifying them for the semi-finals. Kosovo ended their tournament without a win but gained significant experience and were recognized for their effort and development.
With the conclusion of Pool II in Prishtina, Czechia and Türkiye advance to the knockout phase, scheduled in Tirana. They will compete against the leading teams from Pool I, Italy and Poland, as they aim for the European U16 title.
Other Pool II Matches
In another Pool II match in Prishtina, Slovenia concluded their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over Montenegro (25-22, 15-25, 15-25, 29-27, 16-14) in a dramatic five-setter. Slovenia started well, winning the first set 25-22 with strong offence and defense. However, Montenegro responded powerfully in the next two sets, dominating both 25-15 to take a 2-1 lead. Facing defeat, Slovenia staged an impressive comeback in the fourth set, saving several match points before winning a lengthy set 29-27 to force a final set. The tie-break was equally close, but Slovenia remained composed, winning 16-14 to secure their third victory of the championship. Both Slovenia and Montenegro finished the group stage with identical 3-4 records, insufficient to reach the semi-finals.
Croatia finished their Pool II matches in Prishtina with a strong 3-1 victory over Greece (25-10, 18-25, 25-10, 25-14). Croatia started assertively, dominating the first set 25-10 with aggressive serving and effective net play. Greece improved in the second set, improving their receiving and building momentum to win it 25-18 and tie the match. However, this was Greece`s only set win. Croatia responded decisively in the third set, again winning comfortably 25-10 by showing better structure and intensity. The fourth set was similar, with Croatia dictating play and closing out the match 25-14. Croatia finished Pool II with a 4-3 record, same as Greece, securing third place while Greece finished fourth.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood