POLAND
Play By Play
SERBIA
Top Scorer
- 14 - Wilfredo LEON VENERO (POL)
- 11 - Bartosz KUREK (POL)
- 10 - Marko IVOVIC (SRB)
Officials
Stefano CESARE
Vladimir OLEYNIK
Overview
Both teams arrived in Katowice aiming to win a gold medal. Home favourites and the reigning world champion Poland was unbeaten until the semifinal, which they lost (like in 2019) to Slovenia in four sets. The Serbian dream about back-to-back European crowns was ended by Italy, who defeated them also in four sets. Poland and Serbia competed together in Pool A, and their pool phase encounter turned out to be a nail-biting five-setter in Krakow, won by Poland, who could count on the big support of their fans. After suffering painful defeats in the semis, there is a lot to prove on the court for both teams, so we can expect a thrilling battle.
Head-to-Head
· Poland beat Serbia 3-2 earlier this tournament in the group stage. Poland finished top of Pool A with an unbeaten record (W5-L0), Serbia finished second, winning all their other group stage matches.
· Serbia won the only other meeting between these teams in the European Championship, 3-0 in the 2017 group stage. Serbia finished that tournament in third place.
· Poland won the last five matches versus Serbia in major tournaments. Two wins in the 2018 World Championships, two wins in the Volleyball Nations League, in 2019 and 2021, and the earlier meeting this European Championship.
· Before that, Serbia had won three in a row versus Poland in major tournaments: twice in the 2016 World League and once in the 2017 European Championship.
Poland
· Poland miss out on a home final in Katowice after losing 3-1 to Slovenia in the semi-finals.
· Poland won 17 of their last 20 EuroVolley matches, losing only to Slovenia on three occasions during this run.
· Poland will play the bronze medal match for the third time in European Championships; they won the previous two, beating France 3-0 in 2019 and Russia 3-1 in 2011. Poland also finished third in 1967 when there was a poule format in the final round.
· Wilfredo Leon Venero (113) is Poland's leading point scorer at EuroVolley 2021. He collected a team-high 116 points in the 2019 edition.
· Piotr Nowakowski (29) has scored the most points from blocks in the final round of this tournament, already the most ever for a player in the final round of a European Championship. The previous record at a EuroVolley (final round) was by Russia's Dmitriy Muserskiy (28 in 2013).
· Fabian Drzyzga is second in this year's setter ranking in the final round on an efficiency of 61.4%, only behind Slovenia's Gregor Ropret (62%) – who however has played far less than Drzyzga (5 matches vs. 8, 16 sets vs. 26).
Serbia
· The defending champions can claim a podium finish from the European Championship for the third edition in a row after securing a third place in 2017 and the title in 2019.
· Serbia lost 3-1 in the semi-finals versus Italy, their second loss in the European Championship in their last 18 matches; the other one was a 2-3 loss in this year's group stage versus Poland.
· Serbia have won at least one set in each of their last 48 EuroVolley matches, since a 3-0 defeat against Russia in the 2007 semi-finals.
· Uros Kovacevic (123) is Serbia's leading point scorer in this year's final round, only trailing behind Nimir Abdel-Aziz of the Netherlands (173) and Turkey's Adis Lagumdzija (124). In the 2019 edition, both Kovacevic (133) and Aleksandar Atanasijevic (143) finished on more points for Serbia.
Peter Krsmanović"It's a difficult task to beat Poland, especially when they play in front of ten thousand fans, but we have to focus on our game and do our best."
middle blocker of Serbia
Vital HEYNEN"We treat all matches the same. We were very close yesterday, but stopped pushing at the wrong time. All I ask from any team I coach is that we go till the end."
Coach - Poland
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Match Polls
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Officials
First RefereeStefano CESAREITASecond RefereeVladimir OLEYNIKRUS
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Venue Information
Spodek is an iconic landmark of Katowice that was built 50 years ago. The Spodek Arena and its additional facilities and usable surfaces form a multi-functional complex that spans nearly 7 hectares. 11,000 visitors can fit into the tribunes of the Spodek Arena for top level sports events or concerts. In 2019 Spodek hosted the largest e-sports event, Intel Extreme Masters, attracting a record turnout of 178,000 spectators. Positioned in the very heart of the city, next to the Spodek Sports and Entertainment Arena, an exceptional new area has been created. The Culture Zone consists of culture and entertainment centres, including the Spodek Arena, the International Conference Centre, the new seat of the Polish Radio National Symphony Orchestra and the new Silesian Museum. Capacity: 11500
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How To Attend
Al. Korfantego 35, KATOWICE, 40-951 Capacity: 11500
The Spodek Arena is located 30km away from the Katowice International Airport in Pyrzowice. It takes around 30 min. to get to the airport by car. Numerous car parks located near the Spodek Arena make the facility comfortable to use. You can get to the Spodek Arena from the PKP railway station in Katowice by foot in 15 min. (2.5km), or by tram from the Katowice Dworzec PKP stop, taking trams T2, T11, T13, T23, T43 to the Katowice Rondo stop (8 min.) The nearest KZK GOP tram and bus stops for the Spodek Arena are the Katowice Rondo, Katowice Spodek, or Katowice Uniwersytecka stops. Get directions
Featured Players
Wilfredo LEON VENERO
Bio
The Cuban-born volleyball superstar debuted in his home country’s senior national team at an extremely young age of 14. Leon, regarded by some as the best player in the world, was able to join Team Poland in 2019. Apart from world and continental level medals and even more individual awards, he is a holder of some impressive records, including 13 aces in one game in a 2021 VNL match against Serbia
Nemanja PETRIC
Bio
On reception safe, reliable in attack. Ready to serve an ace at the most important moment. The real leader of the 'blue company' - Nemanja Petrić. He waited for a real chance in the national team for a long time, and when he got it, he left such an impression that he became the captain. He is the ‘quiet head’ of a temperamental family. A player who gives security to everyone else on the field.
Team
- NOWAKOWSKI Piotr1 Middle blocker
- Kaczmarek Lukasz5 Opposite
- ŁOMACZ Grzegorz12 Setter
- ŚLIWKA Aleksander14 Outside spiker
- SEMENIUK Kamil16 Outside spiker
- FORNAL Tomasz21 Outside spiker
Previous Games
| 19/09/2021 | vs. |
3 - 0 | W | Go to Match Centre |
| 18/09/2021 | vs. |
1 - 3 | L | Go to Match Centre |
| 14/09/2021 | vs. |
3 - 0 | W | Go to Match Centre |
- All Time
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29Competitions Played
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3Titles
- Competition
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9Matches Played
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8Matches Won
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89%Win %
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25Sets Won
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785Points Won
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55%Attack %
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52%Reception %
Team
- Birth Date: 1988
- Birth Place: Wałcz
- Height: 193 cm
- Birth Date: 1987
- Birth Place: POLAND
- Height: 205 cm
- Birth Date: 1994
- Birth Place: Krotoszyn
- Height: 204 cm
- Birth Date: 1988
- Birth Place: Wałbrzych
- Height: 201 cm
- Birth Date: 1993
- Birth Place: Santiago de Cuba
- Height: 201 cm
- Birth Date: 1987
- Birth Place: Ostrołęka
- Height: 188 cm
- Birth Date: 1995
- Birth Place: Jawor
- Height: 198 cm
- Birth Date: 1997
- Birth Place: Giżycko
- Height: 199 cm
- Birth Date: 1994
- Birth Place: Blachownia
- Height: 208 cm
- Birth Date: 1997
- Birth Place: Kraków
- Height: 198 cm
Team
- OKOLIC Aleksandar1 Middle blocker
- PETRIC Nemanja4 Outside spiker
- JOVOVIC Nikola9 Setter
- PERIC Pavle12 Outside spiker
- ATANASIJEVIC Aleksandar14 Opposite
- LISINAC Srecko20 Middle blocker
SERBIA 
Address
Terazije 35/II BEOGRADContacts
Previous Games
| 19/09/2021 | vs. |
0 - 3 | L | Go to Match Centre |
| 18/09/2021 | vs. |
1 - 3 | L | Go to Match Centre |
| 14/09/2021 | vs. |
3 - 0 | W | Go to Match Centre |
- All Time
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8Competitions Played
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5Titles
- Competition
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9Matches Played
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6Matches Won
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67%Win %
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21Sets Won
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829Points Won
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49%Attack %
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48%Reception %
Team
- Birth Date: 1987
- Birth Place: Prijepolje
- Height: 203 cm
- Birth Date: 1993
- Birth Place: Kraljevo
- Height: 198 cm
- Birth Date: 1990
- Birth Place: Čačak
- Height: 205 cm
- Birth Date: 1990
- Birth Place: Beograd
- Height: 194 cm
- Birth Date: 1991
- Birth Place: Belgrade
- Height: 202 cm
- Birth Date: 1993
- Birth Place: Novi Sad
- Height: 202 cm
- Birth Date: 1989
- Birth Place: Beograd
- Height: 193 cm
- Birth Date: 1987
- Birth Place: Novi Sad
- Height: 204 cm
- Birth Date: 1992
- Birth Place: Kraljevo
- Height: 205 cm
Recent Results
POLAND
SLOVENIA
(25 - 17, 30 - 32, 16 - 25, 35 - 37)
POLAND
RUSSIA
(25 - 14, 26 - 24, 25 - 19)
POLAND
FINLAND
(25 - 16, 25 - 16, 25 - 14)
Team Comparison
Team Statistics
Player Statistics
Head to Head
Piotr NOWAKOWSKI
Middle blocker
POLAND
Uros KOVACEVIC
Outside spiker
SERBIA
Aleksandar Atanasijevic during the warm up
National anthems of the teams - full of fans Spodek
Polish mascots entertains the fans at the match in Spodek in Katowice
Polish team celebrates saving the point - full of enthusiasm Michal Kubiak
Polish team enjoying the score
Capitan of the Polish team Michal Kubiak's great joy
Poland has spread its wings
MFF-01-POLAND vs SERBIA
Team from Poland scores point by point
Gallery
Disclaimer
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POLAND claim home Bronze
The bronze medal match of EuroVolley 2021 was played in , held in Spodek Arena in Katowice between the tournament’s host, Poland, and the reigning European Champions, Serbia. Both ended up in this playoff for 3rd after yesterday Poland were defeated by Slovenia in the first semi-final, while in the second one Serbia lost to Italy in four sets.
Both teams were aiming to gain a gold medal at the EuroVolley 2021 after their recent successes at World and European level respectively. Their painful losses in semi-finals made them fight hard for the bronze medal, it may be a consolation prize for both but that would bring some feeling of joy after a tough Saturday. The opening part of the game was tied for the majority, but in the key moment Poland secured a three-point advantage thanks to a great run of services by middle blocker, Jakub Kochanowski. As a result the home side triumphed in this part (25-22).
In the second part Poland were simply on fire, immediately secured a significant seven-points advantage, again mainly due to a fantastic performance in the serving field (13-6). The head coach of Serbia tried to do his best to change the situation, but his players simply seemed not to have any solution for the Polish domination in this part (18-9) and as a consequence lost this set by 9 points.
In the beginning of the third part Poland took the lead again, but Serbia refused to give up easily and tied the result (16-16). In the last minutes of the game, middle blocker Mateusz Bieniek contributed with two aces, helping to build a strategic advantage (21-17), this finally drove Poland to a bronze medal (25-22), their second in a row.
Łukasz Kaczmarek"We played a very good game today and Serbia was not in the best shape today. We defended very well, we were good in the block, maybe service was not our strongest weapon, but it was not enough to win a bronze medal and we are very happy about this medal, because after yesterday's match we managed to get back on track and add another medal to our showcase."
opposite of Poland
Aleksandar Atansijević"Poland was just better tonight. During the entire tournament they played well, they finished pool phase first and easily went through to the next rounds, but only lost to Slovenia yesterday. Today they showed that on paper they have the strongest team in the world and a big respect for the Polish fans."
opposite of Serbia
The match in numbers
The combined total number of points scored by both teams throughout the entire match.
The total length of the match, from the first serve through until the last point has ended.
Total number of people in attendance at the venue – taken at the end of the second set.
The combined total number of successful spikes achieved by both teams throughout the entire match.
An average of the two team service reception percentages from the complete match.
The number of successful point winning blocks of POLAND compared to SERBIA.
POLAND number of service aces compared to SERBIA
Errors leading to points of POLAND, next to those from SERBIA
Top Scorer
- 14 - Wilfredo LEON VENERO (POL)
- 11 - Bartosz KUREK (POL)
- 10 - Marko IVOVIC (SRB)
Top Attacker
- 11 - Bartosz KUREK (POL)
- 10 - Wilfredo LEON VENERO (POL)
- 9 - Aleksandar ATANASIJEVIC (SRB)
Top Blocker
- 3 - Wilfredo LEON VENERO (POL)
- 3 - Piotr NOWAKOWSKI (POL)
- 2 - Michał KUBIAK (POL)
Top Server
- 2 - Marko IVOVIC (SRB)
- 2 - Mateusz BIENIEK (POL)
- 2 - Jakub KOCHANOWSKI (POL)
Top Receiver
- 6 - Paweł ZATORSKI (POL)
- 5 - Wilfredo LEON VENERO (POL)
- 4 - Uros KOVACEVIC (SRB)