Hungary, Türkiye, Czechia, Montenegro record commanding opening wins in Prishtina

Hungary, Türkiye, Czechia, and Montenegro all started their #EuroVolleyU16W campaign with comprehensive 3-0 wins in their respective matches as the competition in Pool II got underway on Wednesday at the Palace of Youth and Sports in Kosovo’s capital city, Prishtina. It is the first time in history that the Final Round of a European Championship takes place in the Balkan country. Over in Pool I in Tirana, Italy and Spain did not drop a set in their matches with outsiders Lithuania and Albania. Poland beat France 3-1 whereas Bulgaria needed a tiebreak to edge Ukraine. 

Hungary opened their CEV U16 Volleyball European Championship 2025 campaign in Pool II with an impressive straight-sets victory over Slovenia in the first match held at the Palace of Youth and Sports in Prishtina. The Hungarian side controlled the match from the outset, showing composure and tactical discipline to secure a 3-0 win (25-16, 25-22, 25-23) against a resilient Slovenian team that improved as the match progressed but ultimately could not turn the tide.
In the first set, Hungary set the tone with aggressive serving and effective blocking, quickly building a lead and maintaining momentum to close it out 25-16. The second set saw Slovenia respond with better organisation and tighter defence, thus pushing the scoreline closer. However, Hungary’s consistency in reception and quick transitions gave them the edge in crucial rallies, sealing the set 25-22.
The third set was the most competitive of the match, as Slovenia fought hard to extend the game. They matched Hungary point for point, but the Hungarians remained composed under pressure and clinched the final set 25-23 to take all three points from the encounter.
Hungary’s balanced team effort and tactical execution underline their strong aspirations in this group, while Slovenia will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.

Türkiye delivered a commanding performance in their opening match as well, sweeping aside Greece 3-0 (25-13, 25-17, 25-21). The Turkish squad wasted no time asserting their dominance, racing through the first set with powerful serving and precise attacking that left Greece struggling to find rhythm. The 25-13 scoreline reflected Türkiye’s control and confidence from the service line and at the net.
In the second set, Greece began to find moments of resistance, but Türkiye’s well-organised defence and fast-paced offense maintained the upper hand, extending their lead with a 25-17 finish.
The third set brought a more competitive exchange, with Greece showing improved coordination and fighting spirit. However, Türkiye’s experience and efficiency in the closing stages proved decisive, as they secured the set 25-21 and the match in straight sets.
With this result, Türkiye takes a strong first step in Pool II, showcasing depth and cohesion across the lineup. Greece, despite the loss, showed promising stretches of play and will aim to build on them in their next match.

Czechia kicked off their Pool II journey with a 3-0 win over Croatia (27-25, 25-23, 25-13), in a match that started as a closely contested battle before Czechia took full control in the final set.
Played at the Palace of Youth and Sports in Prishtina, the encounter began with two evenly matched teams exchanging long rallies and sharp attacks. The first set saw multiple lead changes, with Czechia eventually edging out Croatia 27-25 after surviving a set point and showing nerves of steel in the decisive moments.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Croatia staying in touch throughout. However, Czechia’s blocking and backcourt defence proved crucial, as they narrowly secured the set 25-23 to build a two-set advantage.
In the third, Czechia shifted gears, overwhelming Croatia with aggressive serving and a fast-paced offensive rhythm. Their dominance at the net and minimal errors led to a commanding 25-13 finish, sealing the match in straight sets.
With this victory, Czechia joined the list of early Pool II winners in Prishtina, while Croatia will have to regroup ahead of their next fixture, looking to translate their strong start into full-set performances.

Montenegro opened their campaign in Pool II with a dominant 3-0 win over host nation Kosovo (25-15, 25-12, 25-6). From the outset, Montenegro took control with high pressure from the service line and disciplined play at the net. The first set saw the visitors build an early lead, which they held comfortably to close it 25-15 despite the energetic support for the home team.
Kosovo struggled to find momentum in the second set, as Montenegro increased the tempo and capitalised on unforced errors, pulling away to take it 25-12. In the third and final set, Montenegro showcased their depth and consistency, storming through with a commanding 25-6 finish. 
Despite the defeat, the Kosovo team gained valuable experience from their debut match in front of their home crowd. Montenegro, meanwhile, sent a strong message with their performance and will look to maintain their form as Pool II competition intensifies in Prishtina.