Germany
Julia Schäfer was the game’s top scorer with 17 points, while Maja Djordjevic earned 16 points for Serbia.
Germany jumped out very determined, ready to fight heroically for their last chance for a top eight ticket. On the other side, Serbia’s head coach Marijana Boricic gave some players a rest. The very young Serbian “reserve” players did their best but were unable to prevent an easy 2:0 set lead for Germany.
In spite of an eight-point German lead in the third set, Serbia came back from behind to delight the home crowd with some spectacular volleyball. Serbia gained momentum and didn’t look back until the end of the fourth set.
Serbia continued their impressive comeback from the third and fourth set and quickly led 5-3 in the deciding set. Germany – however – was not in the mood to let loose. The upcoming German talents responded with a 12-2 run to conclude the hard-fought duel in their favor.
Germany head coach Jens Tietböhl: “It was a fortunate situation for us to play our last match with the Serbian team who was already qualified for the semis. We seized our chance, that’s the only thing what counts tonight.”
Serbia head Coach Marijana Boricic: “I’m very happy to have made it to the semifinals. It secures us a ticket for the FIVB Girls’ Youth World Championship coming up later this summer in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.”
Germany vs. Serbia 3:2 (25-18, 25-12, 24-26, 25-27, 15-7)
To read more news from this competition click on Youth European Championship 2013 F.
