Terzić taught the Russian national team a lesson: how our volleyball players lost to Serbia.

      Terzić against "his own": Serbia defeated Russia with Matveeva and Bibina

      Bibina was sitting on the bench, Matveeva was battling with Ognjenović

      Of course, any match of the Russian women's national volleyball team against a world opponent is a great opportunity in these times. But now, when our girls have been allowed to participate in all tournaments, including the Nations League and the World Championship, the attitude of the world volleyball community will certainly change. The Serbian national team, led by the well-known specialist Zoran Terzić, was the first to respond to the call of the All-Russian Volleyball Federation (VVF) to play several friendly matches. He is also the head coach of Kazan's Dynamo-Ak Bars. It is worth noting that the teams played two matches. The first one, two days ago, ended in a draw 2:2. At that time, the teams agreed in advance not to play a tie-break. And the day before, the conditions were, so to speak, as close to combat as possible – there was no talk of any draws. By the way, both games took place in the Serbian city of Ub. On the other side of the net from the Serbian specialist, in the Russian national team, were his former players from the club – Polina Matveeva and Maria Bibina. In fact, this Kazan trio caught our attention in the second match. However, Maria was more of an observer in this game. Her place on the court was confidently occupied by another libero – Anna Podkopaeva. It is strange that Bibina did not get more playing minutes – throughout the season she was an irreplaceable part of the Kazan club. I think you can count on one hand the instances when she gave up her place in the lineup to Milina Mukhametshina. Matveeva was given the chance to shine, and she did shine. In this sense, it is even amusing that opposite her, also as a setter, was her idol Maya Ognjenović. By the way, I once spoke with Polina about the Serbian player. The Russian girl then only exclaimed solemnly: "Did you see how she sets?" By the way, let’s emphasize that Matveeva's path to this national team call-up was not easy. If you remember, she suffered a serious injury at the very beginning of the past season. Polina only returned by December. But I think you remember how the game of Dynamo-Ak Bars came alive again with her return.

      An equal match and Terzić's strategy

      Zoran Terzić, however, resembled his classic self. The same unchanged manner – when players make mistakes, he almost emotionlessly spreads his arms to the sides. As if offended and not understanding the actions of his charges. Yes, yes, I think volleyball fans from Kazan have had more than one flashback to the regular championship. And how could we do without the legendary timeouts of the Serbian coach? For example, in the third set, he took one, and the hosts caught up with the Russians. And in the fourth, after his words, the Serbs rushed so much that they seemed not to notice our girls. Although overall the match was equal up to that point, as evidenced by the score in the sets – 23:25 – one way and then the other. Well, the tie-break was taken by those who probably wanted it more. And let’s put our hand on our heart, who needed it more – 6:15 in favor of Serbia.

      Consider this: we are just returning, once again feeling the taste of volleyball life in a game against a big national team. Meanwhile, the Serbs need to show that they are approaching the European Championship fully armed. By the way, the tournament will take place in four countries – Azerbaijan, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Sweden – from August 21 to September 6.

      What awaits the Russian national team next?

      In fact, now the most intriguing and exciting stage of our women's team's return begins. Of course, after the decision of the International Federation and the VVF, it will be easier to find opponents for friendly matches. But you can't live on friendlies alone; real challenges are needed. Among the list of these challenges will definitely be the Nations League, but only next year. However, there is another important start – the World Championship in the USA and Canada, also in 2027. But there is a small hitch.

      "The FIVB is also continuing to explore, in consultation with the local organizing committee, the Volleyball Federation of Canada, the Volleyball Federation of the USA, and other stakeholders, the possibility of the Russian women's national team participating in the Women's Volleyball World Championship," the statement from the International Federation said. But, be that as it may, the girls need to prepare. After all, this is also the most important qualification for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. And this, as you understand, is the dream of millions.

      Photo: volley.ru

      More news about the event:

      Kazan volleyball players played for the Russian national teams against Serbia

      Anna Salnikova Editor of the news feed

      Kazan volleyball players donned the uniforms of the Russian national teams and went for overseas matches. 11:52 08.08.2026 ProKazan.Ru - Kazan

      Terzić taught the Russian national team a lesson: how our volleyball players lost to Serbia

      Terzić against "his own": Serbia defeated Russia with Matveeva and Bibina

      Bibina was sitting on the bench, Matveeva was battling with Ognjenović

      Of course, 08:36 08.08.2026 IA Tatar-inform - Kazan

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      The Russian volleyball teams are returning to the Nations League but will miss the men's World Championship 2027

      The men's and women's volleyball teams of Russia are returning to the world stage. 18:44 06.08.2026 St. Petersburg Vedomosti - St. Petersburg