Poland beat Slovenia in straight sets in Istanbul on Tuesday to secure their third victory at the European Championship and reach the round of 16.
The 3-0 win keeps Stefano Lavarini's side undefeated in Group A, leaving them level on points with group leaders Turkey but second on small point ratio.
Poland established control early in the opening set, dominating play from start to finish before an impressive late run sealed a 25-14 victory. The second set presented a much tougher test, with Poland trailing 8-14 before rallying to draw level at 17-17. Following a tense finish filled with lead changes, Poland claimed the set 28-26. They played much better again in the third set, closing out the match 25-18.
The victory follows earlier group stage wins for Poland, who opened their European Championship campaign with a straight-sets win over Hungary before defeating Latvia 3-1 in their second fixture. The biennial tournament sees the top four teams from each six-nation group advance to the knockout round of 16.
Group A standings
Poland and hosts Turkey both hold perfect 3-0 records with nine points and a 9-1 set ratio. Turkey occupy top spot due to a superior small points ratio of 248-187 compared to Poland's 253-204.
Germany sit third in Group A with two wins, one loss, six points, and a 6-4 set ratio. Slovenia remain fourth on three points with a 1-2 record and a 4-6 set ratio, standing ahead of only Latvia and Hungary. Both Latvia, with a 2-9 set ratio, and Hungary, with a 0-9 set ratio, have lost all three matches without scoring a point.
Guaranteed a finish in the top four of Group A, Poland have secured their place in the last 16. Stefano Lavarini's team will face Germany in their penultimate group fixture on Thursday, August 27.
