The fifth competitive day of EuroVolley 2026 for women offered a historic individual achievement, a big comeback, and more answers about the participants in the knockout phase. Isabelle Haak set a new European Championship record with an incredible 52 points in Sweden's victory over Croatia, while Greece, Czechia, Belgium, and the Netherlands secured their participation in the round of 16.
Sweden – Croatia 3:2 (16:25, 22:25, 25:19, 25:16, 23:21)
The big story of the evening was written in Gothenburg. Sweden, led by former Bulgarian national team coach Lorenzo Micelli, was trailing 0:2 against Croatia but made an impressive comeback. In front of 3871 spectators, the hosts survived an extremely dramatic tie-break, which ended 23:21.
Isabelle Haak was above all. The Swedish opposite hitter finished with a phenomenal 52 points, breaking her own record for most points scored in a single EuroVolley match. Haak's previous best was 42 points from 2021. She scored 14 points in the tie-break alone and finished the match with 57% attack efficiency. On the other side, Samanta Fabris also had an impressive match with 33 points.
Italy – Slovakia 3:0 (25:19, 25:18, 25:20)
Earlier in the same group, Italy continued its flawless run. The world champions achieved their fourth victory in four matches, without losing a single set in the championship.
In Group B in Brno, where Bulgaria also plays, Greece and Czechia officially qualified for the round of 16. Thus, along with Serbia, three teams from the group now have a guaranteed spot among the top 16.
Greece – Austria 3:1 (20:25, 25:18, 25:12, 25:14)
Austria started excellently and won the first set, but then Greece completely changed the course of the match. The third set was particularly decisive, which the Greeks took with 25:12.
Marta Anthouli was once again the main weapon of the Greek team, finishing with 20 points – 16 from attack with 46% efficiency and 4 aces. Eirini Chatziefstratiadou added 13 points and 3 blocks. For Austria, Kora Schaberl scored 14 points. The victory was Greece's third in the championship and guaranteed the team's place in the round of 16.
Czechia – Ukraine 3:1 (25:17, 21:25, 25:19, 25:21)
The hosts also fulfilled their task. Ukraine managed to equalize the score after the second set, but the Czechs responded and won the next two.
Monika Brzuská was the top scorer for the winners with 21 points, 20 of which were from attack. Helena Grozer added 14, and for Ukraine, Anna Artyshuk finished with 18. Czechia also recorded their third victory and secured a place in the next phase.
Thus, the struggle in Bulgaria's group is increasingly focused on the remaining fourth place, which grants participation in the round of 16. For our national team, the remaining matches against Austria and Czechia become crucial.
In Group C, Belgium and the Netherlands are also already looking towards the knockout stages.
Romania – Belgium 0:3 (21:25, 20:25, 17:25)
The Belgians achieved their third success in the tournament and continued without a loss. Pauline Martin was the top scorer with 18 points, including 3 blocks, and Britt Herbots added 17.
Netherlands – Spain 3:0 (25:13, 25:11, 25:16)
The Netherlands left no chances for Spain. The Dutch dominated especially from the serve and finished the match with an impressive 13 aces. Marrit Jasper scored 12 points, including 5 blocks and 2 aces, and Britt Stuut added 5 aces. After these results, Belgium and the Netherlands have a 3-0 record and are already confirmed for the round of 16.
In Group A, Germany and Poland achieved clean victories.
Hungary – Germany 0:3(17:25,21:25,14:25)
Germany played their strongest match since the start of the championship. Lina Alsmeier was the top scorer for the Germans with 13 points, while Leana Grozer and Emilia Weske added 12 each. For Hungary, Anett Nemeth scored 16 points.
Poland – Slovenia 3:0(25:14,28:26,25:18)
Poland also showed a much more convincing performance. The only serious resistance from the Slovenians was in the second set, when they had a chance to win it. However, Poland snatched the set 28:26, after which they controlled the third set.
Magdalena Stysiak had a great match with 24 points, with as many as 11 of them coming in the third set. Poland now has three wins from three matches.
After the eight matches of the day, the biggest impression was undoubtedly left by Isabelle Haak. 52 points in one match at a European Championship turned the drama between Sweden and Croatia into one of the matches that will go down in the history of EuroVolley. And while Italy continues without losing a set, the picture for the round of 16 is gradually becoming clearer – something that makes Bulgaria's upcoming match with Austria even more important.

photo: cev.eu