Volleyball Euros: Estonia claims first win but is eliminated from playoff contention

Estonia's men's volleyball team earned its first win of this year's European Championship on Wednesday, defeating the Netherlands 3:1 (27:25, 25:22, 18:25, 25:23) in a Group C match. Coach Alar Rikberg's side entered the game already carrying three losses, and their playoff chances were mathematically eliminated once Serbia beat Denmark 3:2 in another group match.

How the match unfolded

In the first set, Estonia trailed by two to three points for much of the way. Late in the set the Netherlands led 24:21 but failed to convert four set points, allowing Estonia to seize the initiative and take the set 27:25.

The second set stayed close throughout. At 9:9, a confrontation on court led to red cards for Estonia's Alex Saaremaa and the Netherlands' Fabian Plak. After play resumed, Estonia took its first lead of the set at 11:10 and held on to win it 25:22.

The third set also began evenly, but at 7:5 the Netherlands took control and steadily built their lead. Estonia answered with some strong attacking plays, and Timo Lõhmus served two consecutive aces, but the Netherlands closed out the set 25:18.

In the fourth set, the Netherlands led 22:19 before Estonia mounted a decisive rally to secure their first tournament victory.

With the win, Estonia climbed to fifth place in Group C on three points, while the Netherlands — losers of all five matches — dropped to sixth with two points.

On Thursday, Estonia will play its final match of the tournament against group leader Finland, who have four wins and 10 points.