Slovenia, Ukraine, Finland and Croatia next to hit the court in Varna
Preview
After the sold-out opening match on Tuesday, Pool B of the men’s CEV EuroVolley 2023 is about to unfold in full swing with the remaining four teams joining the action on Wednesday. Slovenia and Ukraine will take to the court at the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna at 17:30 local time. Finland and Croatia will follow at 20:30.
Slovenia is the main favorite to win this pool, especially after Tuesday’s surprising loss of co-host Bulgaria to Spain. The Slovenians made it to the gold medal matches of three of the last four editions of the European Championship and added three silver medals to their collection. In addition, last year they reached the FIVB World Championship semifinals for the first time in history. Earlier this season, Slovenia finished seventh in the Volleyball Nations League.
Ukraine’s best EuroVolley result was the sixth place it earned upon its debut in 1993. This season the team claimed a CEV European Golden League silver and an FIVB Challenger Cup bronze.
Since 2011, Slovenia and Ukraine have met six times in official international competition, with the Slovenians leading the head-to-head by four wins to two. They won the last encounter, in a 2022 World Championship quarterfinal, in four sets. The last time Ukraine beat Slovenia was in straight sets in the 2018 European League.
Klemen Cebulj“It will be very important that we keep the good Ukrainian serves on our side and make good use of the blocks, with which we can secure new attacks. Communication during the game will also be important, so that we stand together the entire match and try to enjoy the game as much as possible."
Outside hitter of Slovenia
Finland’s best memory from its 19 previous European Championship appearances is the fourth place it took in 2007. The team finished 11th at EuroVolley 2021. Earlier this year, it competed in the European Golden League with a sixth place result.
Croatia also competed in the 2023 European Golden League and took the bronze. The country’s best EuroVolley finish was the eighth place it took upon its rookie appearance in 2005. It will be Croatia’s fifth participation in the premier continental competition.
Finland defeated Croatia in their last seven encounters, most recently a four-set win at EuroVolley 2007 and a straight-set sweep in a 2011 Olympic qualification game. The northern Europeans lead the overall head-to-head by eight wins to one, with Croatia’s only victory dating back to a 1995 European Championship qualifier.
Ivan Raic“This is our most important match in the pool, because the Finns are at a level similar to ours. I hope we can win it. The most important thing is to show togetherness and aggressiveness. After all, it is the opening of EuroVolley and maybe there will be some nervousness, but I hope that we will turn it our way."
Opposite of Croatia
Joel Banks“I am looking forward to the start of the tournament. We need to put the challenges we have faced, particularly with some injures, behind us now and focus on the job in hand. The players and the staff spend hours practicing and training physically, mentally and tactically, but we do it all for these moments. The honor to wear the national team shirt is huge. It is for me as a foreigner and I can imagine what it is like for the players to represent Finland. We must remember to enjoy it…”
Head coach of Finland