In the second rollercoaster of the day in Pool D, Croatia took 3-2 win over Latvia. Croatia’s opposite Leo Andric demonstrated a superb performance with 24 attack points (47%), two block points and six aces. Latvia’s top-scorer was also the team’s opposite Hermans Egleskalns with 19 attack and two service points.

Croatia had a better start in the first set, taking the lead by a couple of points and holding on to it. By the end of the set, Latvia managed to tie the score to 22-22 and turn the set into a real thriller and eventually take a 30-28 win. Croatia’s Leo Andric and Latvia’s Hermans Egleskalns both scored six points for their teams.

Croatia regained confidence in the second set and led again by Leo Andric’s strong performance, took a comfortable 25-20 win.

The tables had turned in the third set, where Latvia took a lead and hold to it right from the start. Croatia got as close as 22-24 but Atvars Ozolins’ spike ended the set with a 25-22 win for Latvia.

After a rocky start, Latvia had to chase Croatia for the majority of the fourth set and managed to even the score at 21-21. Both teams were unable to gain a two--point advantage for a while, but eventually Croatia succeeded to take 31-29 win and take the game into the fifth set.

In the fifth set Croatia showed a motivated and concentrated play and ended the set and game with 15-11 win.