The Serbian women played two test matches against one of their future opponents in the group stage of the European Championship. In the first match, Serbia won with3:1 (25:17, 19:25, 25:21, 25:19)after 92 minutes of play.
A day later, Terzic's team was even more convincing and won with3:0 (25:20, 25:23, 25:22)after 82 minutes. The two staffs agreed to play an additional set, which Serbia won with25:19.
In the second control match, the Serbian women controlled the game and did not allow the Czech Republic to put them under serious pressure. Even in the most contested second set, the hosts found a way to close the part with 25:23.
Uzelac stood out with 47 points in the two control matches
One of the best news for Terzic was the performance of Monika Nikolov's alleged girlfriend,Aleksandra Uzelac. The outside hitter scored 26 points in the first test match and added another 21 in the second, for a total of47 points in both matches. In the second match, Nina Čaić finished with 14 points, and Nadja Antonović added 11. Tijana Bošković was the only one from the group that Terzic did not use in the second match.
Terzic is not rushing with evaluations
Despite the positive results, the coach of Serbia does not believe that the two control matches give a full picture of the team's real form. Terzic expects much more serious challenges when the official matches begin.
"I'm still not sure exactly how things look. We will have to play a few matches at the European Championship against the real opponents, against the strongest ones. We won these two matches against the Czechs, I would say, relatively easily," Terzic stated.
The coach is also aware that the Czech Republic will look different in the official match between the two teams in Brno, where they will have the support of their fans.
"With a full hall and the new motivation they will have in Brno, it certainly won't be so easy. We will see how things look. The most important thing is for the players to be healthy and ready. If, God forbid, there are no problems like those that plagued us last year, we should expect good news," Terzic added.
15 volleyball players for 14 spots
The big question mark for Serbia is now related to the final squad for EuroVolley. Terzic has 15 volleyball players from whom he must choose 14.
The coach confirmed to Serbian media that he does not intend to announce his decision in advance. When asked when the final squad would be known, he replied briefly:"More or less before the trip."
Serbia departs for Brno onAugust 19th, so Terzic will use the last training sessions in Belgrade before making the final choice.
Serbia's squad from the friendly against the Czech Republic
The following 15 volleyball players were in the second friendly match:
Setters:Maja Ognjenovic, Sladjana Mirkovic
Opposites:Tijana Boskovic, Anja Zubić
Outside Hitters:Aleksandra Uzelac, Vanja Ivanovic, Branka Tica, Nina Čaić, Nadja Antonović
Middle Blockers:Hena Kurtagić, Mina Popović, Minja Osmajić, Ljubica Milojević
Liberos:Aleksandra Jegdić, Bojana Gočanin
Tijana Boskovic remained out of play in the second friendly, but was part of Terzic's group.
Bulgaria vs Serbia on August 24th
Serbia will play in Group B in Brno alongside Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Austria, Greece, and Ukraine. The European vice-champion starts its participation on August 21st at 2:00 PM against Austria, and on August 23rd at 7:00 PM, a new match against host Czech Republic is scheduled.
For Bulgaria, the most important date is August 24th. Then, at 7:00 PM, our national team will face Serbia. After that, the Serbian team will meet Greece on August 26th and Ukraine on August 27th. The first four teams from the group qualify for the round of sixteen.
EuroVolley 2026 will take place from August 21st to September 6th, and the European champion will also win a direct quota for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.
photo: meridiansport.rs
