Türkiye’s women’s national volleyball team moved one step closer to continental glory Thursday, defeating Germany 3-1 to book a place in the semifinals of the 2026 European Championship.
Led by another commanding performance from Melissa Vargas, the Sultans of the Net prevailed 25-18, 22-25, 25-18, 25-22 to set up a semifinal showdown with Serbia on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Türkiye came out firing behind Vargas and quickly established control of the opening set. A 15-10 advantage forced Germany into its second timeout, but the break did little to slow the Turkish attack. Türkiye kept Germany at arm’s length and comfortably closed out the set 25-18.
Germany responded immediately in the second, racing to a 6-1 lead as Türkiye struggled defensively. The Sultans of the Net regrouped after a timeout and gradually chipped away at the deficit, with captain Eda Erdem providing a presence at the net and Derya Cebecioğlu helping cut the gap to two points.
Germany, however, held its nerve in the decisive rallies and took the set 25-22 to level the match at 1-1.
Türkiye regained control in the third.
Backed by vocal support from the stands and committing fewer errors, the national team turned a tight opening into a commanding seven-point advantage at 14-7. Germany called timeout in an attempt to halt the momentum, but Türkiye refused to loosen its grip and secured another 25-18 set victory.
The fourth proved the night's biggest test.
Vargas again provided the spark, using powerful serves and timely points to push Türkiye ahead 16-13. Germany responded with three consecutive points to make it 16-16, prompting a Turkish timeout.
Türkiye reeled off five straight points to seize control, and Vargas stepped up again down the stretch as the Crescent-Stars closed out the set 25-22 and sealed a 3-1 victory.
Türkiye will face Serbia on Saturday for a place in the European Championship final.
