Czech Republic aims to climb up EuroVolley standings

Hoping to improve last season’s standing, Czech Republic is looking to make great strides in the new edition of CEV EuroVolley Men. Tapped as one of the host nations of this year’s tournament, Czech Republic sets its sights on a deep run in an attempt to achieve better ranking this time.

Czech Republic (including Czechoslovakia) has participated in the continental championship 28 times, winning the gold medal in the inaugural year in 1948 before securing back-to-back titles in 1955 and 1958. A former European volleyball powerhouse, the country also bagged silver medals in 1967, 1971, and 1985.

As new powerhouses emerged, Czech Republic has not been as dominant as before in the last couple of decades, missing the podium at the EuroVolley in 15 straight occasions. The country’s best result in over 30 years was its fourth place finish in the 1991 and 2001 editions. Showing some signs of improvement, the Czechs captured the maiden title at the European League in 2004 before securing a bronze and a silver in 2013 and 2018 respectively.

At the 2019 EuroVolley, the team coached by Michal Nekola moved to the Round of 16 after finishing fourth in Pool D with a 2-3 win-loss record. But they failed to advance in the quarterfinals as the eventual champion Serbia was just too hot to handle, beating the Czechs in straight sets.

While there is a lot of work to do before Czech Republic can return to its glory days, the country has proved it can compete at a high level. Playing in their home soil for the first time since 2011, the Czechs will rely on the brilliance and leadership of the 30-year old veteran and lefty opposite Jan Hadrava, who also led the country to a 20th place finish at the 2017 FIVB World League. Set to add firepower are crafty setter Matyas Demar, reliable outside hitter Donovan Dzavoronoc, and powerful opposite Michael Finger.

Czech Republic is set to clash with Belarus, Bulgaria, Italy, Montenegro, and Slovenia in Pool B in the group stage. Its first assignment will be against the reigning silver medalist Slovenia as they will lock horns on September 3 at the Ostravar Arena.