France at top with Italy, important victory for Croatia
CEV Trendyol EuroVolley 2026 | Women
An exciting fourth day in Pool D of the CEV Trendyol EuroVolley 2026 Women saw Croatia claim a five-set victory over Slovakia after a comeback, while France secured a convincing win over debutants Montenegro.
Pool D – Croatia vs Slovakia 3–2 (25–27, 19–25, 25–21, 25–22, 15–11)
The temperature in Pool D is rising. On Monday afternoon, it was time for a decisive match between Slovakia and Croatia, with both teams looking to stay in contention for one of the four places leading to the Round of 16. After one of the closest matches in Group D so far, Croatia completed a remarkable comeback to claim a 3–2 (25–27, 19–25, 25–21, 25–22, 15–11) victory.
The match started as tightly as expected. Slovakia got off to a strong start, partly through their own quality and partly thanks to Croatian errors. However, the teams were level at 25–25, and it took two more points for Slovakia to close out the opening set, with Karolína Fričová making key contributions. Monday's match was also her 100th international appearance.
The second set largely mirrored the first. The teams stayed neck and neck through a series of dramatic rallies, but Slovakia eventually secured a second consecutive set, helped in part by two aces from Fričová.
With their backs against the wall, Croatia seized their chance and, after another closely contested set, pulled one back to force a fourth set. The tightly fought battle continued, with Croatia building on their momentum to level the match at 2–2.
The drama had to be settled in a deciding fifth set, where Croatia continued their strong run, racing to a 6–1 lead before Slovakia managed to close the gap and keep the match alive. Croatia, however, held firm and completed a remarkable comeback.
Monday's match was a special milestone for Karolína Fričová, who made her 100th appearance for Slovakia, eight years after making her international debut on 27 July 2018.
Samanta Fabris"I'm so proud of the team, happy about the turnaround, and glad we're still in the race for a spot in the next round. A real team win. We knew we could play better than we did in the first two sets, and the rest just fell into place."
Opposite, Croatia's top scorer
Karolína Fričová"It's always hard losing 3–2. But that's volleyball, and we have to accept it. We have to learn from our mistakes, and the tournament isn't over — there are still two good matches ahead of us.
Captain fo Slovakia
Croatia will now face the host nation, Sweden, tomorrow in front of a passionate home crowd, while Slovakia take on Pool D leaders Italy. The Slovaks, however, have not given up hope of advancing.
Pool D – France vs Montenegro 3–0 (25–19, 25–22, 25–17)
France dominated their match against Montenegro, winning 3-0 (25-19, 25-22, 25-17) to secure their third victory at the CEV Trendyol EuroVolley 2026 Women. France's middle blocker Amandha Marine Sylves was the match's top blocker, recording six blocks in total.
From the start, France tried to take control of the set, but Montenegro kept the score close and fought for every point. France's setter Enora Danard-Selosse made her presence felt, serving two aces during the set. Towards the end of the set, Montenegro started to lose momentum, allowing France to extend their lead and take the opening set 25-19.
Not ready to give up in the second set, Montenegro stayed level with France for most of the set. France maintained a strong offensive game and eventually took control. Even after making several substitutions, France managed to win the second set 25-22. Cyrielle Depié was France's leading scorer, contributing nine points.
France continued their momentum into the third set, forcing Montenegro to call an early timeout at 8-4. The teams remained close midway through the set, with France leading 12-11. France then raised their level of play and closed out the set 25-17 to secure a straight-set victory.
France's middle blocker Amandha Marine Sylves was the match's top blocker, finishing with six blocks.
Enora Danard-Selosse"I think it was important to stay focused and, of course, enjoy it. It was difficult at the beginning, but in the end we played a really good game."
French Setter
Nikoleta Perović"Slovakia is going to be a tough opponent. They lost their game, but they have experienced players, and they have time to recover, recharge and prepare for the game. So I don't think they're mentally down."
Captain of Montenegro
