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Portugal’s Marta Hurst scored seven times in the first set, but that did not suffice for winning the set, as the abundant unforced errors on her team’s side helped Austria stay afloat. It was an even battle, in which Portugal recovered from the four-point deficit they had at 16-20 to draw level at 21-21 and prompt an exciting epilogue. Jasmin Haslinger put the ball away to finish off a spectacular super rally and give Austria a 23-22 lead. At set point, she blocked a Portuguese attack to prompt yet another opponent error and close the set at 25-23. Halfway through the second set, Portugal’s outside hitter Margarida Maia got injured while landing after an attack and had to be replaced. The score took swings from three points in favour of Portugal to three points in favour of Austria. The unforced errors were distributed evenly between the two sides, but the crucial one gave the Portuguese a 25-23 win to level the match.

Stepping up their spiking efforts with Marta Hurst and Maria Lopes leading the way, Portugal broke away with a 21-14 lead. They seemed to be cruising to a speedy wrap-up, but Austria fought back. Sub-in Anamarija Galic dominated over the net to help her team narrow it down to just one at 23-22, but finally Hurst hammered the 25-22 winner. The fourth set was very competitive through 19-19, before Austria went on a 6-1 run to close it off at 25-20 on an ace by Monika Chrtianska. After 5-3 Portugal’s way in the tie-breaker, Austria scored nine points in a row. Haslinger aced to deliver the match point and then set to Aida Mehic for a first-tempo attack to score the 15-6 winner.

Portugal’s Marta Hurst was the best scorer of the match with 20 points. Aida Mehic produced 16 for the winning side.

Maria Lopes, opposite of Portugal: “That injury of Margarida Maia happened at the wrong time and, of course, it affected us. But we still believed that we were able to win. In the third set, we made too many mistakes in serving and our attack was not so efficient anymore. The Austrians took advantage of this and won.”

Jasmin Haslinger, setter of Austria: “We are so happy with this win and the position to fight for the title. We believed we could win, but it still feels amazing. I am surprised that I scored the most points in my team in the first set; it seemed that my teammates were setting the ball for me, and so I also got a chance to score some points in attack. I do not know what the main reason that we managed to stage a comeback after being on set behind was, but we made it.”

Jan de Brandt, head coach of Austria: “After the third set, I made a few changes and we played really well, especially in the tie-breaker. We will recover now and be ready for tomorrow. This victory gives us additional energy. It will of course be nice if the fans come here again tomorrow to support us in the hall.”