Bulgaria's U21 national team started their 2026 European Championship qualifiers in Portugal in the best possible way. In their first match of qualification group C, the young 'lions', led by Ventsislav Simeonov, convincingly defeated the Netherlands 3:0 (25:22, 25:23, 27:25) in 'Arena SamElion' hall in Samokov.
Around 200 spectators supported the national team in their debut in the newly opened hall, and they reciprocated with a focused and emotional game. It was also watched by Gianlorenzo Blengini, as well as some senior national team players who train in the same complex.
The Bulgarians demonstrated stability and composure in key moments and did not allow the Dutch to get back into the match, even though each set was contested.
The most effective player for the Bulgarian team was outside hitter and captain Aleksandar Kandev, who finished with 14 points (2 blocks, 1 ace). Jasmin Velichkov was also at a high level, adding 12 points (1 block, 1 ace), with an impressive 63% attack efficiency and 52% positive reception. Zekov Jr. also had a good performance at the setter position.
Both showed class and maturity, which were fundamental to the success.
Bulgaria's opponent in the next match will be Norway, who earlier on the same day defeated Spain 3:1. The match is scheduled for tomorrow (July 12) at 5:30 PM, again in Samokov, and with another win, our boys will take a decisive step towards qualifying for EuroVolley 2026.
According to the regulations, the first-place teams from each of the five qualification groups, as well as the two best second-place teams, qualify for the European Championship finals. This means that every point and every set won can prove to be crucial in the final standings.
For the Netherlands, the top scorers were Tom van der Ent with 13 points (including 3 blocks and 1 ace) and Simon Haage with 10 points. The Dutch showed good moments but could not cope with the balanced and composed play of the Bulgarians at the end of the games.
The first step has been taken. Now all eyes are on tomorrow's match with Norway \u2013 a chance for the young national team members to prove that their place among the best in Europe is not in doubt.
