Slovakia W vs Montenegro W

Slovakia have lost all four of their matches since the tournament opened on 21 August 2026:

• 21 Aug: 0–3 vs France (13–25, 21–25, 13–25)
• 22 Aug: 2–3 vs Sweden (22–25, 16–25, 25–14, 25–22, 6–15) — led 2–1 before losing the tiebreak
• 24 Aug: 2–3 vs Croatia (27–25, 25–19, 21–25, 22–25, 11–15) — led 2–0 before Croatia completed a comeback
• 25 Aug: 0–3 vs Italy (19–25, 18–25, 20–25)

Slovakia's two five-set losses show they can compete, but they have won only four of 14 sets. Their inability to close out matches after taking leads has been the defining weakness.

Montenegro, making their historic EuroVolley debut, have also lost all four matches:

• 21 Aug: 0–3 vs Sweden (13–25, 18–25, 23–25)
• 22 Aug: 0–3 vs Italy (9–25, 22–25, 23–25)
• 24 Aug: 0–3 vs France (19–25, 22–25, 17–25)
• 25 Aug: 0–3 vs Croatia

Montenegro have lost all 12 sets played. However, the scorelines have tightened as the tournament progressed.

Slovakia and Montenegro have met twice before, both in 2021. Slovakia won both encounters 3–0.

Slovakia are captained by Karolína Fričová, who on 24 August made her 100th international appearance. The outside hitter has been Slovakia's offensive engine alongside Zuzana Šepeľová. Libero Ema Magdinová anchors the backcourt defence. Head coach Martino Volpini faces a must-win match.

Montenegro are captained by Nikoleta Perović, who led with 13 points in their opening loss to Sweden. Head coach Jovo Caković oversees Montenegro's debut at a Women's EuroVolley finals — the only debutant nation.

Slovakia's main problem has been closing out matches after building leads. Against Sweden, they led 2–1 and lost the tiebreak 15–6. Against Croatia, they led 2–0 and lost three straight sets. If Slovakia can sustain their level through the entire match, they have the offensive weapons to win.

Montenegro's issue is at the net — they have not won a set and have been outblocked in every match. Against France, Amandha Marine Sylves recorded six blocks alone.

Karolína Fričová (SVK) — Captain, 100 caps, primary scorer. Her ability to lead through pressure moments after two blown leads will decide Slovakia's fate.

Zuzana Šepeľová (SVK) — Most efficient Slovak attacker against Italy.

Nikoleta Perović (MNE) — Captain and primary scorer. Montenegro need 15–18 points from her for any realistic chance.

This is Slovakia's match to lose. They have better quality, more tournament experience, and a deeper squad. But after two consecutive collapses from winning positions, the question is whether they can sustain their level for three sets. Montenegro will never have a better chance to claim their first EuroVolley set win. Likely outcome: Slovakia in 3–1 or 3–0.