{ scoreResults.ArticleMeta.Heading }

The Czech Republic and Romania got the ball rolling after an exciting first set. Both sides entered the court motivated, and ready to fight for each ball, as they started a point-for-point rally throughout the whole set. Romania put up a real fight, but with some decisive actions after the 20th point (an ace for 22-20 by Denisa Pavlikova and a great spike by the home side’s captain, Michaela Mlejnkova for the set point after a great rally), the players around head coach Ioannis Athanasopoulos emerged victorious. The better success on attack (15 winning spikes to nine) was crucial for the hosts in this set, as on the blocking and at the serving line the Romanian team was slightly better (four to three kill blocks, and three to two aces), delivering good defence as well.

Czechia did not disappoint their fans in the third set, and even though Romania tried their best, recovering from an early set back, the Czech players seized all their chances on their opponents’ errors (nine), and getting closer to the Gold Medal Match. Romania finished this set with more winning spikes (16 to 13), but it wasn’t enough.

In a must-win fourth set for Romania, the players, coached by Guillermo Naranjo, found their power and started breathing their rivals’ necks, turning the tables after the 10th point, showing spectacular defence. Even though that Czechia’s Klara Faltinova stepped up, it wasn’t enough to stop the inspired team of Romania, that finished with two more successful attacks in this part - 11 to nine. The Czech Republic denied one set point to their rivals.

After a close call in the beginning of the tie-break, Czech Republic, led by captain Michaela Mlejnkova, could speed up, leading at 9-6. Romania suffered in organising their block, even though they saved one match point, Czechia claimed the victory after a spike by Veronika Trnkova.

Statistically, the game was rather balanced - Czechia were better on the winning spikes (63 to 60) and aced nine times (to five by their opponents). Romania recorded one more block (11 to 10).