September 5, 2009. On day 4 of the 2009 CEV Men’s European Championships, Slovenia, Estonia, the Czech Republic as well as Turkey booked their ticket home as 4th ranked teams in their Pools. The other twelve squads move on to the Playoff Round, which will take place from Tuesday to Thursday in Istanbul and Izmir.

In their last game of the tournament Greeks played against last ranked Slovenia. Even when the Slovenians dominated, the Greeks played great at the end of each set and deservedly celebrated finishing first in Pool C.

In Pool D, both Italy and Serbia started with a 1-1 record after their straight-set win against Czech Republic as well as their defeat against Bulgaria. The Italians began more focused, but Serbian team had better nerves and with Ivan Miljkovic points turned around score, wining 25-23. In second set, Italians demonstrated good volleyball and celebrated. But in third set Serbs great volleyball destroyed the Italian and they were on their knees, 25-12. Guided by great captain Nikola Grbic and funtastic hitter Ivan Miljkovic, Serbian team was wery close for qualifying to the next round. Only one more set. Italian coach Anastasi tryed to break the Serbian rhythm with several substitutions but he failed and Serbs won the game 3-1.

Almost 3,500 enthusiastic fans did their best to help host Turkey overcoming France, but the West Europeans didn’t waste any time when they walked through in straight sets. The French, on the other hand, finish second in Pool A accompanying Poland (1st) and Germany (3rd) to the Playoff Round.

In the last match of Pool D at Abdi Ipekci Sports Hall in Istanbul, Bulgaria continued their winning streak with a 3:1 win over the Czech Republic.

In Pool B, Russia destroyed their rival leaving them only 43 points for 63 minutes and finishing first in their Pool.