The Croatia women's volleyball team secured a place in the round of 16 of the European Championships after topping Hungary 3-0 (25-20, 25-23, 35-33) in the last round of Group C in Budapest.
With their third victory and ten points, Croatia secured a place among the four best-placed teams in the group, ensuring at least third place thanks to the win against Hungary - and if Romania overcomes Azerbaijan, they could be second, which would mean an easier draw in the round of 16, reports Gol.hr.
In the game against Hungary, Croatia was dominant from 7-7 in the first set, when they quickly took their advantage to 12-7 and ended the first set of the game 25-20. In the second set, the Croatian volleyball players, on the wings of the brilliant Samanta Fabris, quickly reached a 7-3 advantage, though Hungary came back to equalize at 21-21. Fortunately, a block by Croatia worked, and the second set went to the red-and-white checkered side 25-23.
Hungary opened the third set much better (8-5, 11-7) and was cheered on by their home audience to lead 14-9. Croatia fell behind 17-18 and 20-21 and then equalized at 22-22. The Croatian side figured out how to weaken Hungary’s strength in the next action and went into the lead at 23-22. Hungary then failed to use six set points and again, with a great block, Croatia used their fifth match point for the final 35-33.
Samanta Fabris was the best for the Croatian side with 25 points, while Karla Klarić added 16 points. Klarić was also the best blocker of the game, along with Božana Butigan (4 blocks).
In the other Group C game, Azerbaijan celebrated against Estonia 3-2.
The European Championships, which takes place from 23 August to 8 September, is attended by 24 teams divided into four groups in Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, and Turkey.
Group C Standings
1) The Netherlands
2) Croatia
3) Azerbaijan
4) Romania
5) Hungary
6) Estonia
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