Match overview and final score
The Greece men's national volleyball team opened its Eurovolley 2026 campaign with a 3-1 defeat to the Czech Republic in Modena. Set scores were 25-21, 25-17, 23-25, 25-23. Greece fell behind 2-0 yet recovered to claim the third set and force a late tie in the fourth before two service and attack errors handed the Czech Republic the final two points. The Greek side showed reaction after the opening two sets and maintained competitiveness until the final point, providing elements to build on for the remainder of the tournament. The point totals reflected a close contest in which Greece recorded more attack points yet forced fewer opponent errors than the Czech Republic.
Set-by-set progression
First set
The Czech Republic led 10-8. Greece moved ahead 10-11 behind serves from Dimitris Mouhlias and attacks from Alexandros Raptis. The Czechs regained the lead at 15-14, extended to a three-point margin at 22-19, and closed the set 25-21 on a point from Vasina. The set featured multiple lead changes with Greece responding through specific offensive and serving plays before the Czechs pulled away late. Variation points showed 8-7, 16-14, 21-19 before the 25-21 finish. The early exchanges demonstrated Greece's capacity to answer deficits quickly when Mouhlias served and Raptis attacked effectively.
Second set
The Czech Republic established an early advantage. Greece coach Kostas Christofidelis used both timeouts by the score of 16-10. The Czechs completed the set 25-17. Greece struggled to close the gap after the initial deficit and the Czechs maintained control throughout the set. Variation points showed 8-6, 16-10, 21-13 before the 25-17 finish. The second set exposed difficulties for Greece in sustaining momentum after the opening set loss.
Third set
The Czech Republic opened 4-1. Greece reduced the gap to 5-4 on a single block by Pitakoudis. Two consecutive aces from Drachonovsky restored a four-point lead at 9-5. Greece narrowed the margin to 13-11 with Pitakoudis in attack. Markou brought the score to 19-18. Two aces, one from Kasambalis and one from Raptis, gave Greece a 21-22 lead. Greece held on to win 25-23 after the Czechs lost serve and hit into the net. The set demonstrated Greece's ability to mount a comeback and improve its psychological state. Variation points showed 8-5, 16-13, 21-20 before the 23-25 finish. The recovery lifted team confidence and showed the full range of Greece's offensive and serving options.
Fourth set
Greece led 6-8 on a counter-attack by Protopsaltis. The Czech Republic responded with a 4-0 run to lead 10-8. A three-point margin at 22-19 was erased when Greece tied the score at 23-23 on serves from Raptis and counters from Pitakoudis and Protopsaltis. Greece lost the next service point and a subsequent defensive play ended with the ball slipping out, giving the Czech Republic a 25-23 set win. The set showed Greece fighting until the closing points despite trailing late. Variation points showed 6-8, 16-15, 21-19 before the 25-23 finish. The late rally illustrated continued determination even when victory was within reach.
Player statistics and contributions
Czech Republic scoring: 7 aces, 53 attacks, 7 blocks, 31 opponent errors. Greece scoring: 5 aces, 58 attacks, 4 blocks, 19 opponent errors. Leading scorers for the Czech Republic included Sotola with 18 points and Vasina with 16. For Greece, Raptis recorded 16 points and Protopsaltis added 12. Reception percentages showed Greece libero Handrinos at 44 percent with 31 percent excellent receptions. Full Czech lineup contributions featured Drachonovsky with 14 points including three aces, Bartunek with two aces, Klimas with eight points and two blocks, and Klajmon with seven points. Greece contributions also included Pitakoudis with 11 points and two blocks, Mouhlias with 10 points and one ace, Markou with 10 points, and Theodotis with three points after entering as server. Libero Tziavras posted 57 percent reception with 43 percent excellent. The point breakdown highlights Greece's edge in attacks offset by fewer opponent errors forced compared with the Czech side. Individual performances underlined the depth available to both coaches during the four-set match.
Next fixture and broadcast details
Greece faces host nation Italy on 12 September at 22:00. All Greece matches at the European Championship are televised on ERT and ERT-2 Sport. The upcoming match against the host provides the next opportunity to apply lessons from the opening contest. The schedule allows the team to regroup quickly after the narrow defeat.
Frequently asked questions
What was the final score of the Greece versus Czech Republic match?
The Czech Republic defeated Greece 3-1 with set scores of 25-21, 25-17, 23-25 and 25-23.
Which Greek players led the scoring?
Alexandros Raptis finished with 16 points and Protopsaltis recorded 12 points.
How did Greece perform after trailing 2-0?
Greece won the third set 25-23 and tied the fourth set at 23-23 before losing on the final two points.
Where and when is Greece's next match?
Greece plays Italy on 12 September at 22:00 in Modena.
Where can the Greece matches be watched?
All Greece matches are broadcast on ERT and ERT-2 Sport.
