Eurovolley 2026

    I've been watching EuroVolley since 2017. As far as I remember, Türkiye lost to Serbia in 2017, 2019, and 2021 and was eliminated by them each time. In 2023, they also needed a massive 41-point performance from Vargas and a very tough 3–2 win to finally beat Serbia in the final. So historically, Serbia isn't exactly a very good choice of opponent either.


    I hope Serbia proves this to Türkiye on the court. Even last year, when they were at their absolute worst in the VNL, they still managed to beat Türkiye. It's funny how much everyone is underestimating Serbia.

    Everything is possible, but I don't see neither Turkish players nor Santarelli to willingly lose a set in order to avoid Italy. We're good, but we aren't an unstoppable machine. Plus, it's not like losing give them such an advantage, because they're likely going to face another great team like Serbia. Last but not least, Poland is a tricky team to play against, they can beat anybody in a good day.

    Quote from Soroushia

    I've been watching EuroVolley since 2017. As far as I remember, Türkiye lost to Serbia in 2017, 2019, and 2021 and was eliminated by them each time. In 2023, they also needed a massive 41-point performance from Vargas and a very tough 3–2 win to finally beat Serbia in the final. So historically, Serbia isn't exactly a very good choice of opponent either.


    I hope Serbia proves this to Türkiye on the court. Even last year, when they were at their absolute worst in the VNL, they still managed to beat Türkiye. It's funny how much everyone is underestimating Serbia.

    I totally agree. But if you choose a rival, then you choose Serbia.

    Quote from side.out

    Everything is possible, but I don't see neither Turkish players nor Santarelli to willingly lose a set in order to avoid Italy. We're good, but we aren't an unstoppable machine. Plus, it's not like losing give them such an advantage, because they're likely going to face another great team like Serbia. Last but not least, Poland is a tricky team to play against, they can beat anybody in a good day.

    No offense, but if you did not watch game, I don't see point comment it.

    Quote from volleySrb

    No offense, but if you did not watch game, I don't see point comment it.

    Again, my premise was that everything is possible, but I didn't have the feeling of a team purposely looking for a loss. Italy played badly against France, but I don't believe they did it on purpose, sometimes your game simply isn't on. I didn't follow Turkey as close as Italy, but from the bits I saw until today they had deflating moments here and there, so... Just my opinion, I'm not looking for any beef with anybody.

    Quote from side.out

    Again, my premise was that everything is possible, but I didn't have the feeling of a team purposely looking for a loss. Italy played badly against France, but I don't believe they did it on purpose, sometimes your game simply isn't on. I didn't follow Turkey as close as Italy, but from the bits I saw until today they had deflating moments here and there, so... Just my opinion, I'm not looking for any beef with anybody.

    There is no beef, but for us that watched game, it was pretty obvious. Turkiye players was happier in the sets they lost.

    Just to be completely clear, I think Poland did a pretty good job in containing Vargas and keeping their cool when Turkey made that break on the last set. Congrats to Damaske and Szczurowska too, they played a very good game and converted some key attacks.

    It is also worth noting that Turkey wasn't focused on the match; they knew that losing would be better. However, Poland wasn't exactly blameless either. They committed nearly twice as many service errors as Türkiye and hit more balls out of bounds during attacks. I don't think Poland was all that keen on winning, either.

    Quote from side.out

    Again, my premise was that everything is possible, but I didn't have the feeling of a team purposely looking for a loss. Italy played badly against France, but I don't believe they did it on purpose, sometimes your game simply isn't on. I didn't follow Turkey as close as Italy, but from the bits I saw until today they had deflating moments here and there, so... Just my opinion, I'm not looking for any beef with anybody.

    I agree with you. I don’t believe that they intentionally lost, but their maximum effort, particularly on the fifth set wasn’t there. I also don’t believe Santarelli would do that either. However, maybe they said to themselves, it doesn’t matter if we play Italy or Serbia, they’re both going to be very tough games. No matter what they need to get through QF first.

    Quote from Aro

    I agree with you. I don’t believe that they intentionally lost, but their maximum effort, particularly on the fifth set wasn’t there. I also don’t believe Santarelli would do that either. However, maybe they said to themselves, it doesn’t matter if we play Italy or Serbia, they’re both going to be very tough games. No matter what they need to get through QF first.

    so they did not want to lose on purpose, they just did not want to win :lol:

    When Damaske says: „when your opponent is making it so easy for you, it’s hard for nothing to go your way” - I guess you will say it is offensive for Turkish players instead of reflecting, did they really try to win(?).