July 5, 2022 - The Croatia men's volleyball team takes home the Mediterranean Games gold medal after defeating Spain! 

The Croatia men's volleyball team celebrated in the final of the Mediterranean Games in Oran on Monday, reaching the title without losing a set in the match for the gold medal. Croatia defeated Spain 3:0 (25:22, 30:28, 25:20).

The final was tense, as it should be, but Croatia was slightly better than Spain from the start. Croatia won the first set with a three-point advantage, the second with two, and finally the third with a five-point advantage.

Petar Đirlić led Croatia's victory with 16 points and captain Marko Sedlacek with 15 points. The best player for Spain was Andres Jesus Villena Rodriguez with 17 points.

The Croatia men's national team at the Mediterranean Games included Bernard Bakonji, Petar Višić, Ivan Mihalj, Kruno Nikačević, Stipe Perić, Petar Đirlić, Tomislav Mitrašinović, Hrvoje Pervan, Marko Sedlaček, Filip Šestan, Tino Hanžić and Ivan Zeljković.

"Fantastic atmosphere. We are not used to playing in front of such a large number of fans. We are glad that so many of our athletes came to support us. We beat Spain three times this summer, we knew we were favorites. From the first moment, we knew what we came for. The first after many years. Congratulations to everyone and let's celebrate!" said the golden Petar Đirlić.

In the fight for the bronze medal, Italy beat France 3:1 (22:25, 25:20, 25:15, 31:29).

But that's not all. 

Olympic taekwondo champion Matea Jelić also won the gold medal at the Mediterranean Games, defeating Spaniard Cecilia Castro Burgos 8-7 in the final up to 67 kg. On her way to gold, Jelić first defeated Anamarija Georgijevska from Macedonia 28-5 in the quarterfinals and Aya Shehata from Egypt 8-5 in the semifinals.

In addition to this gold, Croatia taekwondo became richer thanks to yet another medal won on Monday in Oran. Nika Petanjek won the bronze in the category over 67 kg.

In the quarter-finals, she eliminated Spaniard Tania Maria Castineira 7-4, but in the semi-finals, Turkish fighter Nafia Kus was better than her 11-10.

Josip Teskera, who was defeated in the quarter-finals of the category up to 58 kg, also competed on Monday. 

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March 18, 2022 - The draw for the Women's Volleyball World Championship was held in Lausanne on Thursday, hosted by Poland and the Netherlands, from September 23 to October 15 this year. Interestingly, the Croatia women's volleyball team was included in the draw at the last minute.

Namely, Croatia's loss against France in the second round of last year's European Championship resulted in losing important points for the final ranking list. In the end, Croatia took 25th place, and 24 national teams entered the draw for the World Championships, reports HRT.

However, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) knocked the Russian national team out of the draw, so Croatia was allowed to participate as the next in line.

The Croatia women's national team was drawn in Group B, which is played in Gdansk, Poland, and Arnheim in the Netherlands, with hosts Poland, Turkey, the Dominican Republic, South Korea, and Thailand.

To advance to the second round, you need to be among the four best-placed teams in the group.

"Our secret hopes were fulfilled. We believed until the last moment that they could be included in the draw for the World Championships because this information appeared a few days ago. Therefore, we are happy and satisfied with that and proud to be in the company of the world's best volleyball teams again after 2014," said Frane Žanić, expert secretary of the Croatian Volleyball Federation, which is currently in Turkey with the new coach Ferhat Akbas.

"The group is difficult; it is hosted by Poland, Turkey, which is among the three best European teams, Korea as the fourth from the last Olympic Games, and always strong Thailand and the Dominican Republic. But, I believe that we also have our chances; I think we can play equally with those teams," he added.

Coach Akbas has a similar opinion, who advanced to another big competition this year, along with the European League Gold Group, the Mediterranean Games, the Challenger Cup, and the European Championship qualifiers, which will follow just before the World Championships.

"I am satisfied with the group; there are no weak rivals at the World Championships anyway. I can certainly promise now that we will do our best to show ourselves in the best possible light and that we will be a tough nut to crack for everyone. We are not without our chances, and we will try to use them. Turkey is in our group which does not change anything. Croatia is now the country I am fighting for," he stressed.

GROUPS:

Group A (Arnheim): Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Puerto Rico, Cameroon, Kenya

Group B (Arnheim / Gdansk): Poland, Turkey, Dominican Republic, South Korea, Thailand, CROATIA

Group C (Arnheim / Lodz): USA, Serbia, Germany, Bulgaria, Canada, Kazakhstan

Group D (Arnheim): Brazil, China, Japan, Colombia, Argentina, Czech Republic

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December 8, 2021 - Croatia men's and women's volleyball teams will play in the 2022 CEV European Golden League!

Great news arrived for Croatia volleyball on Tuesday from the European Volleyball Federation (CEV) headquarters in Luxembourg, as both the Croatia men's and women's national teams have been included in the 2022 CEV European Golden League!

While Croatian volleyball players have been in this Golden Group for several seasons, they now have the opportunity to jump into the elite ranks of European volleyball.

The spot was given to Croatia after great games this summer in the Silver Group and after North Macedonia, which won the right to play in the Golden Group, withdrew from the elite competition.

The other great news is that Croatia will also host the final "Final Four" volleyball tournament on June 18 and 19 next year.

The expert secretary of the Croatian Volleyball Federation, Frane Žanić, who attended the meeting in Luxembourg together with the director Valentina Bifflin, is proud:

"This is an opportunity that is not presented every day, so it is logical that we reluctantly accepted it. Joining the Golden Group of the European League for our men's volleyball means a lot because we open the way to enter the Top 12 European national teams. According to the new scoring system, we can only progress, and the composition of the national team we currently have guarantees that we can achieve excellent results. Next year, the volleyball players will play in the Golden League, where we play in Group B against Ukraine, Belarus and Spain, and the qualifications for the European Championship. Since we are the hosts of the Final Four, we automatically won a place in the finals, and entering the finals opens up the possibility of playing the Challenger tournament, which is also qualifications for the prestigious Nations League."

In addition to Croatia in Group B are the national teams of Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Belarus.

It should also be noted that Croatia is hosting the Challenger Volleyball Tournament in July, the elimination competition for the Champions League. The men's and women's volleyball national teams will participate in the Mediterranean Games in Algeria at the end of June.

"All this is the result of our long-term investment in Croatian volleyball and partnership with the European Volleyball Federation. We have already proven ourselves countless times as good organizers and even better hosts of many competitions under the jurisdiction of CEV, so we have gained a rating there, and we no longer have to prove ourselves. The last was organizing one of the groups of the European Volleyball Championship, which was again professionally done. Entering the Golden Group of the European League was our wish, to be in some way equal to the men's volleyball players, and now we have succeeded. We think we have both teams worthy of respect and can get great results. And this summer will be an opportunity for that because apart from the Golden Group of the European League, the Mediterranean Games will follow immediately, where we promised our COC to play in the strongest lineup, then the women's Challenger and the European Championship qualifiers. So, we will have a long, warm, working summer again, which we are not afraid of but look forward to," said the president of the Croatian Volleyball Federation, Ante Baković.

European Golden League Men's 

Group A: Turkey, Portugal, Slovakia, Denmark

Group B: Ukraine, Spain, Belarus, Croatia

Group C: Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia

Schedule of Croatia men's volleyball players in the Golden Group B

 Round 1 (May 25): Croatia - Ukraine

Round 2 (May 28/29): Croatia - Belarus

Round 3 (June 1): Croatia - Spain

Round 4 (June 4): Spain - Croatia

Round 5 (June 8): Belarus - Croatia

Round 6 (June 11/12): Ukraine Croatia

European Golden League Women's

Group A: Bulgaria, France, Spain, BiH

Group B: Croatia, Slovakia, Belarus, Czech Republic

Group C: Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Romania, Hungary

Schedule of Croatia women's volleyball players in the Golden Group B

Round 1 (May 25): Croatia - Czech Republic

Round 2 (May 28/29.): Croatia - Slovakia

Round 3 (June 1): Croatia - Belarus

Round 4 (June 4): Belarus - Croatia

Round 5 (June 8): Slovakia - Croatia

Round 6 (June 11/12): Czech Republic - Croatia

Source: Croatian Volleyball Federation

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August 25, 2021 -  The latest from EuroVolley 2021 in Zadar as the Croatia women's volleyball team advances to the round of 16 as the 2nd-placed team in Group C. Croatia lost to Italy in the match for first place on Wednesday night. 

The Croatia women's volleyball team recorded its first defeat in Group C at the European Championship in Zadar.

After the victories against Switzerland (3:0), Belarus (3:0), Slovakia (3:0), and Hungary (3:1), Croatia lost to Italy 0:3 (15:25, 23:25, 14:25) in a duel that decided the group winner. 

Croatia was outplayed in three sets by the current World Championship finalists. However, as the set difference and the point-difference are seen before the victory, Italy must confirm that first place spot against Switzerland.

Italy is unquestionably one of the largest national teams in European Championship history, with seven medals won, including the 2007 and 2009 gold medals. What is even more fascinating is that Itlay has finished among the top eight national teams in the last 20 European Championships. They won bronze two years ago, after losing to Serbia in the semifinal. Serbia also stood in their way in the 2018 World Cup final and the quarterfinal of the recent Olympic Games. 

In the event of a convincing defeat, Croatia could still mathematically take first in Group C, but such an outcome is not at all realistic. It is certain, therefore, that Croatia will move from second place to the second round. 

Italy will thus take first place going into the round of 16 in Belgrade, where they will play against the fourth-placed team from Group A on August 30, while Croatia will play against the third-placed team (Belgium, Russia, or France) from Group A as the second-placed team. The match is scheduled for August 29.

Croatia could meet the European and world champions Serbia in the potential quarterfinal. 

The round of 16 is also played in Bulgaria, where the teams from the first to the fourth place from groups B and D will meet.

Source: Jutarnji List

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August 25, 2021 - After defeating Hungary on Tuesday, Croatia has secured at least 2nd place in Group C at the EuroVolley 2021 in Zadar! 

In the 4th round of the European Championship's Group C in Zadar, the Croatia women's volleyball team achieved its fourth victory, winning 3-1 in sets (25-19, 21-25, 25-17, 25-21) against Hungary.

Although they lost the first set, Croatia achieved their goal and secured one of the first two spots in Group C. On Wednesday at 9 pm, they will play against Italy for the winner of the group.

Like against Slovakia on Sunday, Croatia fell asleep at the start of the match, and Hungary took a 6-3 lead.  In the middle of the first set, Hungary had a four-point advantage (14-10). However, Croatia's captain Samanta Fabris soon served and brought her team to a 16-15 advantage with five points in a row. In that wave, Croatia soon reached an advantage of 2-3 points, and in the end, convincingly won the first set 25-19.

After entering the second set equal, Hungary scored four points in a row for 12-8 on Pekarik's serve for the first time, and after Croatia's return to 14-14, Hungary's 4-0 series followed, this time on Gyimes' serve. Unfortunately, Croatia could not catch up, thus losing their first set at the European Championship.

In the third set, Croatia played more engaged in the block and defense, which gave the result. However, the key was a large series of eight consecutive points won on Fabris' serve, which increased their advantage from 14-12 to an unattainable 22-12.

Croatia controlled the 4th set from the very beginning and was up with a convincing 20-14 before Hungary reduced it to 20-17 with three consecutive points and threatened to turn it around. Fortunately, that did not happen, and Croatia took the final set. 

Croatia leads the standings with four victories, Italy is second with three victories and no defeats, Hungary follows in 3rd with 1-3, Belarus and Switzerland have 1-2, and Slovakia is in last with 0-3.

Source: HRT

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August 20, 2021 - The Croatia women's volleyball team opens EuroVolley in Zadar with a win against Switzerland! Up next, Croatia faces Belarus on Saturday. 

In the European Women's Volleyball Championship first match of Group C, hosted in Zadar, Croatia defeated Switzerland with a convincing 3-0 (25:20, 25:19, 25:21).

In the Krešimir Ćosić Hall in Višnjik, the Croatia women's team opened the European competition with a celebration against Switzerland and without losing a set after 71 minutes of play. In the first set, middle blocker and freshly 21-year-old Božana Butigan had a 100 percent performance in the attack by scoring five points.

Daniele Santarelli's team was decisive for the outcome in the middle of the first and second sets, while Switzerland offered the fiercest resistance in the third set, in which they had a 12:8 lead. However, another great period followed for Croatia, winning 12 of the next 15 points and taking the 20:15 lead to calmly bring the match to an end by a maximum of three points.

Laura Miloš with 18 points and captain Samanta Fabris with 13 points were the most effective for Croatia against Switzerland. 

This is Croatia's fifth consecutive victory over Switzerland in the last ten years.

"I couldn't sleep all night because of the excitement. This is the first European Championship for me, the first game. The victory was significant to us, and I am overjoyed that we started this tournament with a victory. We are focused on the opponent who is coming to us next because we are going from game to game," said Miloš after the match.

"The first match is never easy. Everyone is nervous, so we didn’t know what awaited us during this match. Our game was not the best, but at certain moments we had outstanding actions. Some situations, we can still correct, even though we don’t have much time. This was a good start; we showed a good game, although, in the first set, we did not have a strong defense and blocks," said coach Daniele Santarelli. 

Before the match, the European Championship opening ceremony was held, which was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Andrej Plenković, accompanied by Minister of Sport and Tourism Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Defense Mario Banožić, and Minister of Labor and Pensions, Family and Social Policy Josip Aladrović.

Italy and Belarus, and Hungary and Slovakia will meet today in Group C. Croatia will play against Belarus in the second round on August 21. Group A is played in Belgrade, Group B in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and Group D in Cluj, Romania.

Source: HRT

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August 18, 2021 - On Thursday, August 19, the Croatia volleyball team will play the first game of the European Women's Volleyball Championship against Switzerland in Zadar.

The Croatian Volleyball Federation points out that they are ready, and their goal is to advance to the second phase of the competition, reports Gol.hr.

"We are healthy and ready for Thursday; there are still nuances left. We have had excellent preparations. We need to think gradually from game to game. I hope that we will win second place here, which is our goal, and get to the second phase of the competition in that position. I think that in Serbia we have a real chance to stay as long as possible. The first goal is to pass the group and then secure a trip to the World Cup, where we haven’t been for ten years. The girls are motivated and eagerly await the start of the championship," said Croatian Volleyball Federation expert secretary Frane Žanić.

Croatia opens the championship on August 19 with a match against Switzerland, followed by Belarus on August 21, Slovakia on August 22, Hungary on August 24, and Italy on August 25.

Croatia is looking forward to the start of the championship.

"We are only two days away from the start of the European Championship. We are all very excited. We have been preparing for this competition for the last two months, so we can't wait for it to start. We will play the first game against Switzerland. This is a great competition at a high level; I believe that all teams are strong and dangerous. We will give 100 percent in every game. I hereby invite everyone to follow us on TV," said national team member Nikolina Božičević.

"We have been preparing together for almost three months; a very long cycle is behind us. We have played the European League, many friendly matches, and now we have the European Championships waiting for us for the first time. So we are very excited and well prepared," added Lucija Mlinar.

The championship organizers point out that everything is ready for the big sports event in Zadar, which will last until August 26.

"We are in the final details phase, and I can say that we are completely ready. The final inspection of the members of the European Federation delegation is underway. The hall is ready. We only miss our guests, a total of six teams. Together with professional staff and the entire ensemble sent by the European Federation in Zadar, there are 500 people. Thousands of people can stay in the hall at the same time. There are certain contingents of places that must be provided to visiting teams and their family members. The organization is the second part, and one part we must provide for our VIP guests. All those who are interested can contact us; if there is another vacancy, we will be happy to provide it free of charge because there are no regular ticket sales," said Valentina Bifflin, director of the Croatian Volleyball Federation.

Zadar is the host of Group C at the European Women's Volleyball Championship, while Belgrade, Plovdiv, and Cluj-Napoca are the other host cities.

Zadar expects a lot of promotion from EuroVolley and influences young people to start playing volleyball in as many numbers as possible.

"I am glad that we are hosting volleyball. It means a lot to the City of Zadar and the development of sports tourism that we are building. We wish our volleyball players all the best, and we believe they will achieve a good result," said Zadar Mayor Branko Dukić.

The President of the Zadar Sports Association, Snježana Jurinić, also hopes to popularize volleyball.

"I believe that all previous competitions, as well as this European Championship, will popularize volleyball and expand to the entire County and that the City of Zadar will become the leading regional volleyball center. We can already see that women's volleyball has become a sport and enrolls children in volleyball."

The Višnjik Sports Center, where the Eurovolley matches will be played, has shone with new splendor and is fully ready for another big competition. The hall has been decorated and refreshed, along with the auxiliary ones that the national teams will use.

"It is an honor and pleasure to host such a big event. The Croatian Volleyball Federation embraced ŠC Višnjik as its base for preparations and competitions. It shows that all investments in sports infrastructure within ŠC Višnjik are a complete success. The hall looks fantastic and is one of the most beautiful," pointed out the director of ŠC Višnjik Denis Karlovic.

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December 22, 2019 - The Croatia women's volleyball team will participate in the 2021 European Championship as a host,alongside Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia.

Splitski Dnevnik writes that at a meeting in Luxembourg, the CEV Board of Directors confirmed Croatia as one of the hosts of the 2021 Women’s European Volleyball Championship.

The painstaking work and effort of the Croatian Volleyball Federation in recent years have returned Croatian volleyball among the elite, which is best evidenced by the trust received from the CEV umbrella organization.

“EuroVolley 2019 was a great success and helped us create a real revolution in European volleyball. With the help of a total of eight co-organizing countries in both categories in 2021, we want to further enhance the organization of the competition itself and create an unforgettable experience for all competitors and fans. We are especially looking forward to working with our friends from Croatia, and we have no doubt that we will raise European volleyball to an even greater level with our joint forces,” said CEV President Aleksandar Boricic.

We all remember the three silver medals from the European Championship between 1995 and 1999 and the dramatic fall to Turkey last summer. Now, after 2005, which was the last time the European Championship was held in Croatia, the Croatian female volleyball players will once again fight for medals in front of a home crowd.

“It is a great honor to join forces with our friends from Bulgaria, Romania and Serbia to organize the upcoming European Championship as best as possible. Croatia as a nation lives for volleyball with great passion and enthusiasm, and organizing such an elite competition will only help us to advance Croatian volleyball and inspire a new generation of top volleyball players,” said Croatian Volleyball Federation President Ante Bakovic.

The 2021 Women’s European Volleyball Championship will feature 24 teams competing in four groups. As one of the hosts, the Croatia national team has automatically qualified.

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