Turkey continues to defend its European title. In front of approximately 15,000 spectators at "Sinan Erdem", the hosts gave no chance to Serbia and won the first semi-final of EuroVolley 2026 with 3:0 (25:20, 25:19, 25:20).
The anticipated big clash between Melissa Vargas and Tijana Bošković also ended in favor of Turkey. Vargas was the top scorer in the match with 18 points, while the Serbian star remained with 14.
The Turkish team applied pressure from the start of the first set and gradually opened up a lead. Serbia never found its rhythm, and Vargas and Eda Erdem led the hosts to 25:20.
The scenario repeated itself in the second set. Serbia experienced serious reception problems, which hindered the organization of their attack and left Bošković too often against a well-organized block. Turkey exploited the situation and after 25:19 was just one set away from the final.
Zoran Terzić tried changes, including Slađana Mirković, Bojana Gočanin, Nina Čaić, and Branka Tica, but they failed to turn the tide of the match. The hosts played with increasing confidence, supported by the noisy stands.
Serbia showed a little more life in the third set, but again failed to put Turkey under sufficient serious pressure. Daniele Santarelli's team closed the set at 25:20 and caused a real explosion in the stands in Istanbul.
Besides Vargas with her 18 points, the middle blockers played a very strong match for the winners. Zehra Güneş and Eda Erdem finished with 11 points each. For Serbia, after Bošković, the top scorer was Aleksandra Uzelac with 11.
After the match, Terzić did not look for excuses and took responsibility for the performance.
"We were a disaster, primarily psychologically. It was clear from the beginning that we couldn't play our game. I take the blame for that," stated the Serbian coach.
Bošković also admitted that the result fully corresponded to what was shown on the court.
"Nothing was working. First, I wasn't at my level, and then the whole team. Tomorrow, however, is our most important match in this tournament – the battle for a medal."
Turkey is now waiting for the winner of Italy – Poland in the final, while Serbia will meet the loser of the second semi-final in the battle for bronze.

photo:cev.eu