Disappointed again, but the round of 16 ticket secured: The German volleyball players suffered their second defeat within 24 hours at their home European Championships, but can plan for the next round.
Just one day after the bitter 1:3 against underdog Sweden, the team of national coach Vital Heynen also lost to the Czech Republic 2:3 (25:22, 25:23, 24:26, 20:25, 16:18).
Due to the narrow defeat, the selection of the German Volleyball Association (DVV) secured at least the important seventh point and can no longer be pushed out of one of the first four places in group C. Still, it’s another big damper for von Heynen’s side, who were aiming for four wins from their first four games. At the end of the preliminary round, undefeated co-favorite Türkiye awaits on Thursday.
Good vibes in the Castello
The well-attended Castello was loudly behind the German team from the first serve and saw a balanced neighborhood duel. A strong run at the end of the first round put Germany in an optimal starting position to win the set – Camilla Weitzel brilliantly scored the point to 25:22.
The game remained tight in the second set as well – both teams threw themselves with full commitment after every ball. On the German side it was always captain Lena Stigrot who made the hall tremble with numerous point wins – and yet it went into the match with a deficit final phase. In this, however, the DVV women once again demonstrated their nerves of steel and secured the 2:0 with a 25:23. The point gains were now distributed among the Germans on several shoulders.
Third set is lost in overtime
With the victory and the entry into the knockout round in mind, the co-hosts did not give up against the well-disposed Czechs in the third round – but lost the third set in overtime with 24:26. Also in the fourth round of the exchange of blows, the Germans drew the short straw. The tension reached its peak in the decisive tie-break – with the better ending for the Czech Republic.