The Slovenian national team continues its winning streak in the Nations League. Fabio Soli's team defeated Turkey 3:1 (25:22, 20:25, 25:21, 25:23) in their third match of the tournament in Belgrade, recording their ninth success in 11 matches in the competition.
The Slovenians had already secured a place in the Final Eight after their victory over Iran, but they did not underestimate their opponent against Turkey, even though Fabio Soli rested some of his starters. After a competitive match, Slovenia won the first set, lost the second, and then closed the match with success in the next two sets.
The Slovenians' victory also proved to be excellent news for Bulgaria. Turkey is one of the direct competitors of the "Lions" in the battle for the actual seventh place, which grants participation in the Final Eight, as host China already has a guaranteed quota regardless of its ranking. After this success, Slovenia remains second with 9 wins and 23 points, while Turkey is sixth with 7 wins and 19 points. Bulgaria is eighth with 6 wins and 17 points, but has a game in hand and continues to hold its destiny in its own hands.
The top scorer for the winners was Nik Mujanovic with 27 points, and Saso Stalekar added 10. For Turkey, Adis Lagumdzija scored 27 points.
In the FIVB World Ranking, this result did not cause any changes. Slovenia remains in sixth place, and Turkey is ninth with 270.95 points. Our southern neighbors continue to outrank Bulgaria by a minimal difference of just 0.95 points, as our national team is tenth with 270.00 points.
After the match, head coach Fabio Soli emphasized that the nine victories in 11 matches are a historic achievement for the Slovenian national team, but admitted that the team still has reserves in its game before the final tournament.
In their last match of the main phase of the tournament in Belgrade, Slovenia will face host Serbia.

photo:volleyballworld.com