In Pool II of this year`s #EuroVolleyU16W tournament, Czechia and Hungary successfully defended their unbeaten records by winning tough five-set encounters against Türkiye and Montenegro, respectively. Elsewhere in Prishtina, Croatia and Greece recovered from their opening day defeats, achieving convincing victories over Slovenia and the host nation, Kosovo. Meanwhile, in Pool I being played in Tirana, volleyball powerhouses Italy and Poland also maintained perfect starts, securing their second wins.
The most anticipated and high-quality match in Pool II so far witnessed Czechia mount a remarkable comeback to overcome Türkiye in a thrilling five-setter with scores of 16-25, 28-30, 25-19, 26-24, 15-11 on the second day of the CEV U16 Volleyball European Championship 2025 in Prishtina.
Türkiye began the match strongly, dominating the first set with effective attacking and solid defense. They extended their lead after a tense second set, narrowly winning 30-28 to take a commanding two-set advantage and seemingly control the match.
However, Czechia displayed incredible resilience and skill. Refusing to concede, the Czech team shifted the momentum in the third set with aggressive serving and an increased offensive pace, winning 25-19. They followed this with a nail-biting 26-24 victory in the fourth set, pushing the match to a decisive fifth set.
Carrying their momentum, Czechia completed their comeback in the final set, remaining focused under pressure to secure a 15-11 win. This handed Türkiye their first loss and kept Czechia`s flawless record intact.
The match was a showcase of top-level youth volleyball, featuring extended rallies, emotional swings, and standout performances from both teams. Czechia`s mental strength and diverse techniques confirmed their status as a strong contender in Pool II, while Türkiye demonstrated their competitive edge with a powerful and disciplined performance. This captivating five-set battle highlighted the excitement on the second day of competition in Prishtina.
Hungary continued their winning ways in Pool II with another hard-fought 3-2 victory, this time against Montenegro (25-17, 20-25, 15-25, 25-18, 15-9) at the Palace of Youth and Sports in Prishtina.
Hungary started well, winning the first set with organized defense and sharp attacking plays. Montenegro responded effectively, adjusting their strategy and capitalizing on Hungary`s errors to take the second set. Montenegro`s strong performance continued into the third set, where dominant serving and quick transitions led to a decisive 25-15 win and a 2-1 match lead. However, showing determination and tactical intelligence, Hungary regrouped in the fourth set. With improved blocking and renewed energy, they tied the match at 2-2, winning 25-18, forcing a final set. In the crucial fifth set, Hungary controlled the key moments with calm execution and strong serving pressure, finishing the set 15-9 to secure their second Pool II win and remain undefeated.
Both teams showed high intensity, but Hungary`s consistency and experience in critical junctures proved decisive. Montenegro, despite the loss, displayed considerable potential and remains a formidable opponent in the group. This result solidifies Hungary`s position near the top of the table in Pool II.
Later in the afternoon, Croatia achieved their first Pool II victory with a dominant 3-0 win over Slovenia (25-18, 25-14, 25-15). After a challenging first day, the Croatian team appeared with increased energy and focus, taking control from the start. Effective serving and strong net play helped them build an early lead and secure the first set 25-18.
Croatia elevated their performance in the second set, dominating with aggressive attacks and well-organized defense. Slovenia struggled to counter, as Croatia comfortably won the set 25-14. Croatia maintained their momentum in the third set, showing better teamwork and rhythm. Their consistent pressure forced errors from Slovenia, and Croatia closed out the match decisively with a 25-15 finish.
This straight-sets win marks an important turnaround for Croatia, providing momentum for the upcoming group stage matches. It was a difficult match for Slovenia, who will aim to recover in their next games.
In the evening`s final match of Day 2 in Prishtina, Greece earned their first win with a comprehensive 3-0 performance against hosts Kosovo (25-9, 25-4, 25-11). Greece took immediate control with powerful serving and a disciplined overall game. Their aggressive play disrupted Kosovo`s rhythm early, leading to a dominant 25-9 first set. Greece intensified their pressure in the second set, taking advantage of unforced errors from the home side and executing flawlessly to win an impressive 25-4. Kosovo showed some improvement in the third set, supported by the home crowd, but Greece`s superior organization and consistent play prevailed, ending the match with a 25-11 set win.
This victory is a significant rebound for Greece after their opening loss, while Kosovo continues to gain valuable experience in their European Championship debut. The host nation will seek to build upon these lessons in future matches.
As Day 2 concludes in Prishtina, the group standings are becoming tighter, with every match proving critical on the path to the knockout rounds.
Finley Blackwood 
Jasper Thornfield