Portugal seals #EuroVolleyU20M spot with immaculate record

Team Portugal secured their spot in the Final Round of this year’s #EuroVolleyU20M after storming to a 3-0 (26-24, 25-11, 25-23) victory over Germany on the third and final day of competition in Viana do Castelo. Portugal were obviously the dominant force in the pool – all the matches not involving the home side finished in five sets.

Even though they have a rich tradition in this age group, Germany had to be content with second place in the pool. Israel finished the tournament in third place following their 3-2 (22-25, 25-15, 27-29, 25-19, 15-11) victory over Switzerland.

Nuno Pereira, head coach of Portugal: “I would like to congratulate the players. They have spared no effort in representing the country. The way they always fight to the end is already in their DNA and I, as a coach, am proud to see their growth. I would also like to thank the Volleyball family and the public of Viana do Castelo for the support they have given to us. Regarding the match against Germany, we knew what their strengths were and we managed to cancel them. It was an extremely exhausting competition and our group was very balanced. We ended up achieving what we had worked for in the past weeks. This is already the third generation with which I reach the Final Round of a European Championship. In 2020, because of the pandemic, the CEV decided to determine the teams qualified for the final stage via the European Ranking and we could not make it. This direct qualification makes up for that disappointment.”

Dan Ilott, Germany coach: “What can I say? We lost the match and that is never a good thing, but we have to congratulate Portugal because they played very well throughout the entire tournament. We had an opportunity at the end of the first set, but we could not take it and Portugal did not forgive us. The pressure they put on us in the third set was decisive. Congratulations to the teams for the way they fought and to the Organising Committee. It was a pleasure to be here in Viana do Castelo, a very pleasant experience at all levels.”