The Poles, who opened the tournament with a 3–0 win over Portugal, were clear favorites. They quickly took control of the first set through effective attacks and Israeli errors (9–4), maintaining a steady advantage and closing the set after an Israeli service mistake (25–16).
The second set unfolded in similar fashion. Poland built an early lead with two blocks on Shay Liberman (5–1), followed by a service ace from Kamil Semeniuk and a counter‑attack from Wilfredo Leon. Israeli mistakes widened the gap (15–7), and Nowak finished the set with an attack from the middle (25–17).
The third set was initially more balanced (5–5), but strong plays from Tomasz Fornal and effective blocking put Poland ahead (11–7). A service ace from Fornal and a block by Aleksander Śliwka extended the lead (16–10). Despite a few late errors, Śliwka’s counter‑attack sealed the 25–18 win.
Fornal led Poland with 10 points.
In Saturday’s other Group B match, Bulgaria will face Ukraine.
Poland enters the tournament as one of the main contenders, defending their European title and competing as reigning Nations League champions—mirroring their path three years ago, when they won both competitions in the same season.
The championship is co‑hosted by Finland, Romania, Bulgaria—where Poland will play their group and knockout matches up to the quarter‑finals in Sofia—and Italy, which will stage the final rounds in Milan.
(pu)
Source: PAP