WARSAW, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Poland edged past Germany to win 3-2 at home in Lodz in a five-set thriller to enter the best four of the European Women's Volleyball Championship.
"Both teams know each other very well. Everything is possible," Poland coach Jacek Nawrocki said before the battle, while Felix Koslowski predicted that "it will be a war."
The German media warned "Die Mannschaft" against "the girl with tattoo", as they called Poland's star Malwina Smarzek-Godek.
Germany had a good start clinching the first set 25-22, but Poland responded in the best possible way. Supported by nine thousand fans, Nawrocki's team turned the pace and leveled the score with a 25-16 win.
Aleksandra Wojcik was substituted on in the third set and had a positive impact on her team as Poland took the lead 25-19, but Germany forced a tie-break winning 25-17.
In the decisive final set, the co-host demonstrated better form. Thanks to Magdalena Stysiak, who was effective in the service area, Poland were four points ahead 6-2. Germany fought hard but didn't reduce the gap, losing the match 15-11.
It was the last match played by Poland on a home court, as the final phase of Euro Championship will move to Ankara where Poland face Turkey.