Györ, Hungary, August 28, 2016. Russia are one of the fancied teams at the 2016 CEV U19 Volleyball European Championship - Women and they again displayed why they may make the finals in Nitra by beating Germany in straight sets. Later on it was Serbia which successfully recovered from yesterday´s defeat with an uncontested victory over Hungary, followed by hard-earned win of Italy.

Germany vs. Russia 0-3 (24-26, 21-25, 21-25)

Russia had a three-point lead at the first technical time-out and they doubled it up soon after. At the end of the first set, Germany picked up and caught their opponents as the teams were separated by a point at 23-22 partly due to Hanna Orthmann's spikes. Germany fended off two set balls, but Russia won the first set 26-24, thanks to their great block.

Germany were closer to the Russians in the second set and they had the advantage at the first time-out before increasing their lead thanks to Sindy Lenz's great serves. It was an eventful match because Russia then came back from a five-point deficit. Elizaveta Kotova excelled with her serves and Russia won the second set 25-21.

In the third set Russia had the shape they wanted as they opened up a six-point lead. Germany came back but never moved to within more than two points and Russia sealed the win by taking the set 25-21.

Jan Lindenmair, Germany coach: “We made too many mistakes and I´m very disappointed. I just have to say congratulations to Russia; they were much better compared to my team today.”

Maria Vorobyeva, Russia captain: “We made some mistakes in the third set but our performance was too strong for Germany. It is always good to start with two victories and I promise that we will continue on this level.”

Hungary vs. Serbia 0-3 (16-25, 15-25, 20-25)

Hungary kept level with the reigning champions at the beginning of the match, but after 4-4, Katarina Lazovic moved to the service area and Serbia won four points in a row. Even with the Hungarian fans cheering, the home team were not able to rejuvenate themselves, and they only had Anett Németh's kills in response as they went down 25-16.

The game's pattern did not change in the second set, as Serbia began with a series of four points, meaning Hungary were once again on the chase. The host team's reception was weak, while Serbia's block and service were great, so it was a big ten-point gap in the end as Serbia cruised to a 25-15 win.

In the Serbian team, Lazovic, Vanja Bukilic and others showed nice skills while Németh was the best player for Hungary. Réka Szedmák and the Hungarian block also grew into the game as the home team led by three points in the first part of the set. After this, Serbia equalised and changed the result. The third set was the most spectacular of the match and it finished 25-20 to the 2014 winners. 

András Horváth, Hungary coach: “We played without soul. This performance is not worthy for the Hungarian national team.”

Marijana Boricic, Serbia coach: “Tonight, we played very good. Our service was great and we didn't make a lot of mistakes, just a couple. This match was easier than the one we played yesterday.”

Italy vs. Belarus 3:2 (22-25, 25-23, 27-25, 19-25, 15-12)

Based on the first matchday's results, it was a surprise that Belarus started so well and dominated in the first set. Italy came back towards the end but Belarus eventually prevailed 25-22.

The second set started in a difficult way for Italy, but halfway through they woke up and kept the difference until Elena Pietrini closed it out with a spike to make it 25-23.

The third set was the most balanced of the match. Italy and Belarus were level at 23-23 but then Italy served into the net giving Belarus a set ball, but they could not take it. After a block, the game turned again, and finally, Pietrini took a chance to win 27-25.

Belarus hit back in the fourth set and after the second time-out they led by seven points. The third set ball was cashed by Hanna Kniazeva, who is the shortest Belarusian player standing at just 167cm. She blocked the Italian opponent at the net to hand her side a 25-19 win.

In the final set, Belarus kept the intensity high as Kniazeva hit an ace, but her teammates were also playing well, so when the sides changed ends they led by four. However, after 10-6, Italy hit four successive points as Rachele Morello continued to serve. At this stage Belarus looked tired and Italy took the lead. They had two match points, and they cashed the first meaning they won the fifth set 15-12 and with it the match 3-2.

Luca Cristofani, Italy coach: “We raised our level to the top from a technical, tactical and physical point of view. Belarus are physically stronger than Italy. My girls are tired and this pool is difficult. Because of this, the next two matches against Russia and Germany will be hard. The key was that in the difficult moments, our players did what I said to them. This is what really matters. The players know that the coach has a lot of experience.”

Hanna Klimets, Belarus: “It is difficult to say something after this hard match. It is impossible. We really wanted to win, but Italy played very nice and better than us. We have a good team, I am very happy to play in this competition.”