Host Poland looks to capture second title in 27th EuroVolley appearance

Ranked fourth in Europe and second in the world, there is no doubt Poland will be one of the frontrunners for the CEV European Championship title this year. Fresh off a heartbreaking campaign at the Olympic Games, Poland seeks to get back on the winning track as it aims for its second EuroVolley crown.

The 2018 World Champions have yet to strike gold in major tournaments this year. Last June, they settled for silver at the 2021 Volleyball Nations League, losing to Brazil in four sets in the finale. Less than two months later, they would suffer a premature exit at the Tokyo 2020, following a dramatic five-set defeat to eventual champion France in the quarterfinals. Going into the EuroVolley 2021, the Polish are very much hungry to finish on top.

Making its 27th appearance in the 32nd edition of the tournament, the team coached by Vital Heynen is on a hunt to capture its second continental title. In 2009, Poland ended a 59-year title drought to win the gold medal for the first time since joining the event in 1950. Ten years after winning its first-ever championship, the country made its rousing return to the medal stands with a third-place finish in the 2019 edition. Overall, the country has made it to the podium nine times, winning a gold, five silvers (1975-1983) and three bronze (1967, 2011 and 2019).

Set to spearhead the offensive efforts for the White and Reds is volleyball sensation Wilfredo Leon. Since becoming eligible to play for the national team, the 31-year old multi-awarded outside spiker has led Poland to win a silver medal at the 2019 FIVB World Cup and the 2021 VNL. Leon has dominated at the next level by wreaking havoc in the wing side and the service line.

The mere presence of the two-time CEV Champions League Most Valuable Player along with veteran opposite Bartosz Kurek and team captain Michael Kubiak - both players who have equally unimpeachable resumes - and home court advantage on their side, the Polish national team is in a good position for a championship run.

Poland will clash with Ukraine, Greece, Belgium, Portugal, and defending champion Serbia in Pool A during the group stage. For its first match, it will face Portugal on September 2 at the Tauron Arena in Krakow.