Semifinal berth secured in Istanbul

On Thursday, 3 September 2026, the Polish women's national volleyball team qualified for the EuroVolley 2026 semifinals by defeating the Netherlands 3-1 in Istanbul. The victory represents the first time in five years under head coach Stefano Lavarini that Poland advanced to the semifinal stage of a senior championship tournament. Under Lavarini's tenure, Poland had collected three podium finishes in the Volleyball Nations League but had consistently stopped at the quarterfinal round in championship tournaments. Facing the tenth-ranked Dutch squad, which took European bronze three years prior, the Polish team entered the match undefeated in the competition.

Prior to the fixture, representatives from the team camp addressed the expectations surrounding the quarterfinal meeting.

“The path is easier, but it is not easy.”

Opening set dominance and Dutch reaction

The quarterfinal began with early attacking errors from both teams, allowing the Netherlands to take an initial 4-1 lead. Poland recovered behind the serve of Julita Piasecka, scoring five straight points to shift the momentum. Poland established control at the net through middle blockers Magdalena Jurczyk and Maja Koput alongside Magdalena Stysiak, registering six blocks in the opening set. Despite low initial attack efficiency of 20% for Stysiak and 13% for Piasecka, Poland extended their lead to 11-7 and 15-10, leading Dutch head coach Felix Koslowski to use both of his timeouts. An ace by Monika Lampkowska took the score to 22-14 before a double substitution of Alicja Grabka and Julia Szczurowska helped close out the set 25-16.

Magdalena Stysiak20%

Julita Piasecka13%

Magdalena Stysiak

20 %

Julita Piasecka

13 %

Data from the article text

The Netherlands adjusted in the second set by bringing on substitute outside hitter Helena Corina Kok. Dutch serving and net defense improved, with Indy Baijens recording an ace and a block on Stysiak to give the Netherlands an 8-6 edge. Poland briefly regained a 12-10 lead following a counter-attack by Lampkowska, but offensive difficulties returned as Stysiak relied on tip attacks. The Netherlands capitalized with a four-point run when Koput committed a net touch and Piasecka hit out. Without remaining video challenges for Lavarini, Poland dropped the set 20-25.

Decisive sets and semifinal qualification

Poland regrouped at the start of the third set, taking an immediate 3-0 lead and maintaining control to win the frame comfortably. In the fourth set, the Netherlands moved ahead and pressured the Polish reception. Poland answered through defensive adjustments and contributions from the bench. Key service runs and blocks from Martyna Czyrniańska together with attacks from Szczurowska helped Poland overturn the deficit and seal the four-set win.

Undefeated tournament run

The victory maintained Poland's perfect record in the tournament. In Group A play, Poland defeated Hungary 3-0 and Latvia 3-1 before earning 3-0 victories against Slovenia and Germany. In their final group match in Istanbul, Poland beat defending European champions Turkey 3-2, maintaining a direct path through the tournament bracket. After eliminating Portugal in the round of 16, Poland secured their meeting against Olympic champions Italy in Saturday's semifinal.