Not much to say avbout the 3rd place game.
I think Poland was better team and deservingly won.
Congrats to Serbia for winning the ECH 2019.
Slovenia started strong in set #1 and nullified Atanasijevic with 3 great blocks early in the game. It looked like Slovenia was ready to take it all.
However, in set #2 the roles reversed, Serbia blocked well and Slovenia had problems receiving. After Serbia won second set I was sure it was a done deal as the momentum switched completely in favour of Serbia.
Lots of unforced errors from Slovenia. Kovacevic solo blocked both Gasparini and Stern twice. Bckrw attack wasn't working, it felt like Slovenia was afraid to spike to the ball at times. It was all on Urnaut who just couldn't do it all.
Slovenia had a great run this ECH. Caused upsets and played well but again consistency is the problem with this team. With Ropret recovering after the appendectomy there was no alternative to Vincic to change it up a bit. I'm still looking forward to what Slovenia can do at OQT in Berlin next January.
That tournament will be super stacked.
As for the future of Slovenia's NT. The core of the team has been together for several years now and they play most of the games with the same guys.
There really aren't many adequate subsitutes on the bench or in the domestic league to keep playing at that level, in my opinion at least.
This years U16 final tournament looked really promising so Slovenia could field another great team in a few years.