Czech-Republic
One of the co-hosts of the 2018 CEV U18 European Championship, the Czech Republic, upset one of the main title favorites Italy in the semifinals in Zlín despite trailing in sets twice, 3-2 (21-25, 25-19, 19-25, 25-15, 15-13).
Dukla Liberec youth team outside hitter Matouš Drahoňovský once again demonstrated a high-class volleyball for this age category as he topped the winning side with 23 points. ČZU Praha youth team middle blocker Radek Baláž made 7 of 23 kill blocks that the Czech Republic produced as a team! In Italy, Alessandro Michieletto from Diatec Trentino youth team scored 23 points (4 aces and 4 kill blocks) for the „Azzurri“.
Germany booked their ticket for the final over Russia with a straight-set win, partially 25-23, 25-13, 25-18. Simon Pfretzschner, who competes for Division 3 side ASV Dachau, was the best scorer for Germany with 15 points. His rival from the country’s Division 3, Maximilian Kersting, made 5 kill blocks. Outside hitter of Dagestan Makhachkala (Division 2) youth team, Omar Kurbanov, scored 11 points for „Zbornaya“.
The final match between the Czech’s and Germany will be a rerun of their Pool 1 encounter.
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