Slovakia got close to shocking Germany in the survival match but after reducing 0-2 deficit, had to accept an upsetting 2-3 defeat. With a sole loss to France, Germany had already secured their progression to the 1/8 Finals before the match. Slovakia had one win on their account, together with the hope that beating the second team of the pool will take them to the elimination round.

Both Germany and Slovakia were strong on the offence, with 78% and 71% on attack respectively. Germany, however,were more confident on reception, with 56% against Slovakia’s 35% and took the first set 25-20.

Slovakia could not keep up with Germany in the second set and with just 22% reception and 28% attack lost at 17-25.

With some substitutes joining the play for Germany, the third set was the most even so far. Slovakia eventually got ahead at 22-19 and despite Germany saving as many as three set points in a row, won the set 27-25.

Slovakia fought hard for a chance to take the game to the fifth set and succeeded. Despite just 11% reception, Slovaks managed to still put out a decent attack (62%) and end the set 27-25.

Germany looked more confident in the fifth set, gaining a 8-5 lead. This was enough to secure the set and match. Germany’s legendary opposite Gyorgy Grozer top-scored with 24 points (+13). Team captain Tomas Krisko tallied 16 points (+6) for Slovakia.