Poland Reach European Championship Volleyball Quarterfinals and Will Face the Netherlands

Poland’s women’s volleyball team overcame a shaky start to the third set and completed a 3-0 victory over Portugal in the European Championship round of 16.

The Polish team entered the match as winners of Group A, having won all five group games. Their performances improved as the tournament progressed. They beat Slovenia and Germany 3-0 before edging Turkey 3-2 in a demanding final group match.

Portugal opened the third set strongly, taking a 6-0 lead. Coach Stefano Lavarini responded by bringing Martyna Czyrniańska onto the court. She scored with each of her first five touches, while Magdalena Stysiak helped Poland draw level.

Portugal later regained a lead of several points, but Poland held its nerve in the closing stages and won the set 25-23. The first two sets had ended 25-18 and 25-17 in Poland’s favor.

The quarterfinal will pit Poland against the Netherlands. The Dutch team advanced after beating Slovenia 3-2, with set scores of 25-18, 19-25, 25-21, 29-31 and 15-9.