Slovenia delivered a major upset on Wednesday in Pool II of the CEV U16 Volleyball European Championship 2025 in Prishtina, ending Czechia`s perfect run with a thrilling 3-2 victory (25-22, 25-23, 21-25, 22-25, 15-13). This dramatic five-set match shook up the standings, where the battle for the semi-finals is intensifying. Elsewhere, Greece, Montenegro, and Croatia also secured important wins. Despite the loss, Czechia still holds the top spot in Pool II, followed by Türkiye and Greece.
Heading into their sixth group stage match, Czechia boasted a flawless 5-0 record, while Slovenia had only managed one win from five games. However, Slovenia played fearlessly, defying expectations. They took the first two sets (25-22, 25-23), capitalizing on uncharacteristic errors from the Czech side. Czechia fought back with determination, winning the third (25-21) and fourth (25-22) sets to force a tie-breaker. But Slovenia regained composure in the tense and emotionally charged fifth set, winning 15-13 and securing their second victory while inflicting Czechia`s first defeat. Czechia now stands at 5-1 but retains its lead in Pool II.
Montenegro Edges Türkiye in Thriller
In another captivating five-set match in Pool II, Montenegro edged out Türkiye with a dramatic 3-2 scoreline (34-32, 12-25, 28-26, 23-25, 15-13). This victory, marked by significant swings in momentum, gives Montenegro their third win and tightens the race for the semi-finals with one round left. Türkiye missed a chance to potentially top the group after Czechia`s loss. Despite dominating the second set (25-12) and pushing hard, they couldn`t secure crucial points, particularly in the extended first (34-32 for Montenegro) and third (28-26 for Montenegro) sets. Türkiye won the even sets to force the fifth, but Montenegro held firm, winning 15-13. Türkiye`s record is now 4-2, and their semi-final hopes depend on beating Kosovo and the outcome of the decisive Greece vs Hungary match. Montenegro (3-3) is also still in contention, making the final day of Pool II action potentially thrilling.
Greece Dominates Hungary
Greece secured a crucial straight-sets victory (25-16, 30-28, 25-13) against Hungary in a crucial Pool II showdown. Both teams were vying for a semi-final spot, and Greece rose to the challenge with one of their most complete performances of the tournament. They controlled the first set 25-16 with solid defense and effective attacking. The second set was a critical, hard-fought battle that went into extra points, but Greece prevailed 30-28, gaining crucial momentum. In the third, Greece dominated with pace and precision, closing the match 25-13. This win brings Greece`s record to 4-2, while Hungary falls to 3-3.
Croatia Sweeps Host Kosovo
Croatia maintained their semi-final aspirations by sweeping host nation Kosovo 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-9). Needing a win to stay in contention, Croatia played with urgency and full focus. They established control early in the opening set with strong serving and clean attacks, building a comfortable lead to win 25-15. The second set saw a similar pattern as Kosovo struggled to match Croatia`s tempo and consistency, despite the home crowd`s support, losing again 25-15. Croatia finished strongly in the third and final set, showcasing their depth and intensity by dominating 25-9 to secure the match in just over an hour. Croatia is now 3-3, joining a crowded race for the top spots in Pool II. Kosovo (0-6) is still seeking their first win in their historic European Championship debut and will look to end their campaign on a positive note.
All eyes now turn to Thursday`s decisive matches, as the final standings of Pool II will determine which two teams will advance to the semi-finals and medal matches in Tirana.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood