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Hungary, already qualified to 2023 EuroVolleyW did not spare any effort on the last gameday in Pool C. Meeting Portugal on the court, they seized a straight sets win the last leg of the Qualifiers. Together with Ukraine, the Hungarians book their ticket to Europe’s top competition. 

Hungary established their rhythm of play since the very beginning of the first set (6-3). They started building a comfortable point-difference (18-12), and deservedly claimed the opener. As many as six kill blocks were crucial for Hungary in this set, as on the winning spikes, both sides delivered the same level (each team finished with 10). The hosts also scored one more ace (1-0), and took advantage of their opponents’ errors (six).

Only in the beginning of the next set did Portugal show their real game (4-3). Afterwards, the Hungarian player dominated completely (16-10), not leaving any chances to their rivals. This time around, it was the more successful performance on the serving line (4-0 aces) that sealed the deal for Hungary, including more successful attacks (12-9; 46% team efficiency). 

Portugal entered the third set much more motivated (3-0), but the Hungarian reaction was quick and on time as, led by Fanny Fábián and Gréta Szakmáry, they turned the tables (9-8 in their favour), disappointing Portugal once again. While the teams were performing rather equal on the different components, it was the more distracted game by Portugal that costed them a comeback (Hungary recorded nine points on their opponents’ errors). 

Gréta Szakmáry finished as top scorer with 13 points to her name, while for Portugal, nobody reached the double digits - Margarida Maia recorded the most, eight.