Between the rounds of the Volleyball League of Nations and the Golden Euroleague, the men's national teams of Poland and Ukraine decided to hold a control match. The match took place today in the Polish city of Suwalki, and became a real test for both teams.

Ukrainian breakthrough in the first set

The Ukrainians made a great start to the match, not only managing to impose a struggle on the reigning European champions, but also winning the opening set with a score of 25:21. This was the first game won by the updated national team of Ukraine against the Polish team.

"We knew it would be difficult, but the boys showed true character," said Raul Losano, head coach of the Ukrainian national team.

Dominance of Poland in the second and third sets

The Poles, supported by a huge army of their fans, added to the game and succeeded in the next two sets - 25:17 and 25:18. The sports complex, where the match was held, was filled almost completely, as this match was timed to the 20th anniversary of the club "Slepsk Malov" of Suwalka.

Recovery of Ukraine in the fourth set

Instead, in the fourth game, the Ukrainians proved to be stronger again. Despite the fact that in the middle of the game they were still losing, closer to the end the guests took the lead and won the set 25:22.

"It was an incredible match, we fought until the end," said one of the players of the Ukrainian national team.

Tie-break: Final chord

Unfortunately, the home team won the tie-break 15:9. However, the Ukrainian national team left a good impression, and the audience thanked her for her performance with applause. In this match, Raul Losano gave the opportunity to be on the court more often to young players who did not appear so often in official matches.

Results and forecasts

The national team of Ukraine remains in Poland, where it will play two decisive matches of the Golden Euroleague in the city of Tarnów. On May 31 and June 2, she will play against the teams of Portugal and Belgium. It depends on these matches whether the Ukrainians will make it to the Final Four or not. As for the Polish national team, it will play in the second round of the League of Nations from June 4 to 9 in the Japanese city of Fukuoka.

Editor: Yana Davidyuk