The Germans are seeking their first European title, while the Poles are fighting to retain their crown. Defending champions Poland will face Germany in the European Volleyball Championship quarterfinals after the Germans survived a five-set thriller to knock co-host Bulgaria out of the tournament. The Poles swept aside Latvia in the round of 16 on Saturday, sealing a comprehensive straight-sets victory, 25–17, 25–16, 25–16. It was Poland’s fifth 3–0 victory of the tournament, with their only setback coming in a five-set defeat by Bulgaria in their final group-stage match. Germany later defeated co-host Bulgaria 3–2 in a closely fought round-of-16 encounter, ending the home side’s campaign and booking a quarterfinal meeting with the defending champions. Poland and Germany will meet at Arena 8888 in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, on Tuesday. The Poles finished top of their group despite their defeat by Bulgaria before comfortably overcoming Latvia in the opening knockout round. Poland won their second European Championship title in 2023, defeating co-host Italy 3–0 in the final in Rome. Germany are chasing their first European title, having come closest in 2017, when they lost to Russia in a five-set final.
The Poles swept aside Latvia in the round of 16 on Saturday, sealing a comprehensive straight-sets victory. (PAP/EPA)
