Turkey qualified for the semifinals of the Women's European Championship after defeating Germany 3:1 (25:18, 22:25, 25:18, 25:22) in front of their home crowd in Istanbul.
The Germans put up a serious fight against one of the big favorites for the title and managed to equalize the score after a 25:22 win in the second set. In the decisive moments, however, Turkey showed more class and, with the support of the crowd, closed out the next two sets with 25:18 and 25:22.
There was a dramatic moment at the very end of the match. At 24:21, after an attack by Eda Erdem Dündar, the end of the game and a victory for Turkey were initially called. A video check followed, which changed the decision and the score remained 24:21. Germany saved another match point, but in the next rally, the Turks completed their attack – 25:22 and the end of the match.
Melissa Vargas was once again Turkey's top scorer with 26 points, 12 of which came from breaks. Eda Erdem Dündar added 12. For Germany, Lina Alsmeier finished with 13 points, and Grozer also scored 12.
Germany leaves the championship after a strong performance. In the round of 16, the Germans caused one of the surprises, eliminating Belgium, who had finished the group stage with five wins from five matches. Against Turkey, however, the obstacle proved too high.
And the victory set up one of the most anticipated clashes of EuroVolley 2026.
On Saturday at the Sinan Erdem Dome in Istanbul, Turkey and Serbia will meet in a semifinal, a repeat of the EuroVolley 2023 final. Back then, the Turks won the European title after a dramatic 3:2 against Serbia.
The rivalry also has another unforgettable episode. In 2019 in Ankara, the two teams again played for European gold. Then, Zoran Terzić's Serbia prevailed 3:2 and defended their title.
Now history once again brings Serbia and Turkey together, this time one step before the final. And in Istanbul, in front of the Turkish crowd.

photo:cev.eu