In an exhilarating Pool B match held in Varna, Bulgaria, Croatia bounced back from an unexpected straight-set loss to Finland by edging out Ukraine in a grueling five-set contest.
Ukraine started the match strong, securing the first set with a decisive 25-17 win. However, Croatia clawed back into the game in the second set, led by standout players Petar Dirlic and Marko Sedlacek. They took the set 25-20, leveling the match at 1-1. Ukraine regained control in the third set, maintaining the lead from start to finish and clinching it 25-20.
The fourth set turned out to be the game-changer for Croatia. Improved serving and targeted attacks disrupted Ukraine’s game plan. Dirlic scored two crucial direct points on Ukraine’s star Oleh Plotnytskyi, eventually forcing the match into a decisive fifth set.
In the tension-filled final set, the teams traded points until Croatia sealed their victory with a final block, winning 3-2. Petar Dirlic was the top scorer of the match with 24 points, boasting a 51% attack rate along with 3 aces and 2 block points. He was followed by Marko Sedlacek with 21 points, who had an impressive 70% in attack and contributed 2 block points. On the Ukrainian side, Oleh Plotnytskyi led with 19 points, supported by Vasyl Tupchii with 16 points.
In another Pool B match, Bulgaria also made a strong comeback after a surprising opening defeat against Spain. The hosts defeated Finland in four sets, with scores of 28-26, 27-25, 15-25, and 25-16, marking a strong rebound in the competition.
Pool B
Ukraine vs. Croatia 2-3 (25-17, 22-25, 25-20, 15-25, 13-15)
Finland vs. Bulgaria 1-3 (26-28, 25-27, 25-15, 16-25)
