The Polish team started their participation in the Nations League tournament in Belgrade with a dramatic victory, after defeating the Netherlands with 3:2 sets (17:25, 25:23, 17:25, 25:12, 15:10). The team led by Stefano Lavarini showed character and stability in crucial moments.

❌ Bad start for the "white-reds"

The Polish volleyball players started the match hesitantly and after numerous errors found themselves behind by 6:10, which necessitated an early intervention from coach Lavarini. Only after a strong attack by Agnieszka Korneluk, the Poles managed to take the initiative for a short time, but the Dutch, led by the effective Britte Stuut, continued to dominate. A counter-attack by Elles Dambrink and a successful attack by Helena Kok closed the first set in favor of the Netherlands – 25:17.

⚖️ Even second set

The second set was far more competitive. Poland started better, but both teams continued with unforced errors. Korneluk again distinguished herself in attack, and after good play by Martyna Czyrniańska, the score became 10:6. However, the Dutch quickly got back into the game through an ace by Sarah van Aalen and powerful attacks by Dambrink. A key moment occurred at 20:19, when a series of errors from the Polish side put their success in question. Nevertheless, an attack by Julita Piasecka and a service error by Kok brought victory for Poland – 25:23.

🧡 Netherlands takes the lead again

The beginning of the third part was accompanied by numerous errors from the Dutch, but aces by Kok changed the course – 8:6 for the Netherlands. Despite Lavarini's intervention, the Dutch continued to press. Poland had problems with realizing counter-attacks, and the excellent play of Iris Vos contributed to the difference. When Dambrink scored new points and Stuut solidified with attacks, the third set ended 25:17 for the "Oranje".

🔥 Poland's dominance in the fourth set

Poland entered the fourth set with full concentration – Korneluk led in attack, and after an ace the score became 6:2. From then on, the Polish team dictated the tempo. The Netherlands had no answer to the well-organized play of the "white-reds". After a series by Aleksandra Gryka and a powerful attack by Martyna Łukasik, the set ended decisively – 25:12.

🏆 Composure in the tie-break

The decisive fifth set started with points for Poland. After a block against Van de Voorde, the Poles led by 5:2. Despite the Dutch's attempt to get back into the match, Poland fully controlled the course. At 14:9 after an attack by Malwina Smarzek, Poland got match point, and a double block against Kok closed the match – 15:10.

📊 Final score:

Netherlands – Poland 2:3
(25:17, 23:25, 25:17, 12:25, 10:15)

Team Statistics:

Defense and organization:

Best scorers:

Poland won due to their greater efficiency in blocking and fewer individual errors in key moments. Agnieszka Korneluk played a great match with 19 points, while Malwina Smarzek was a stable support in attack. Despite the Netherlands' superiority in the initial sets, the "white-reds" showed class and will to win, dominating the fourth set and controlling the tie-break.

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