The Croatia Women's national volleyball team delivered a commanding performance in their European League Women's group-stage clash, sweeping aside North Macedonia Women with a decisive 3-0 victory (25–18, 25–20, 25–16) on June 20, 2026, at the Dom Sportova in Zagreb. The result underlined Croatia's growing strength in the competition and left North Macedonia still searching for their first win in the tournament.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, Croatia imposed their will with a high-tempo offense and stifling blocking. The home side, backed by a passionate crowd, never allowed North Macedonia to settle into any rhythm. Croatia’s serve pressure forced repeated errors from the visiting team, particularly in the opening set where they raced to a 12-6 lead before closing out 25-18. The second set saw North Macedonia briefly level at 15-15, but Croatia responded with a 6-1 run powered by middle blocker Ana Jakšić’s two crucial blocks. The third set was the most one-sided, as Croatia opened with a 9-2 surge and never looked back, sealing the match on a service ace from setter Lea Deak.

Key Moments

• First-set dominance: Croatia hit .378 as a team in the opener, with outside hitter Laura Miloš converting seven of her nine attack attempts.
• Second-set resilience: After North Macedonia tied the set at 15-15, Croatia called a timeout and then scored five straight points, including two kills from opposite Markéta Smejtková.
• Decisive third set: Croatia broke open a tight 5-4 lead with a 9-0 serving run by libero Mira Topić, featuring two aces and forcing three North Macedonia errors.

Tactical Story

Croatia head coach Daniele Capraro employed a balanced attack that kept North Macedonia’s defense guessing. The home side spread their sets evenly among three hitters—Miloš, Smejtková, and middle blocker Katarina Barešić—which prevented the North Macedonia blockers from loading up on any single attacker. Defensively, Croatia’s block-out system was exceptional, recording 11 stuff blocks compared to just three for North Macedonia. The visitors, led by captain Sara Stefanovska, tried to counter with quick sets to the middle, but Croatia’s backcourt digging (14 digs in the first two sets alone) neutralized most of the threat.

Standout Players

Laura Miloš (Croatia): The 24-year-old outside hitter was unstoppable, finishing with 15 points on 12 kills and three blocks. Her cross-court shots repeatedly found gaps in the North Macedonia defense.

Ana Jakšić (Croatia): The middle blocker contributed nine points, including five blocks, and altered numerous other attacks with her reach. She also served a crucial three-point run in the second set.

Mira Topić (Croatia): The libero anchored the backcourt with a perfect reception percentage (20/20) and added two service aces in the third set.

Sara Stefanovska (North Macedonia): Despite the loss, the veteran opposite managed eight kills and showed fighting spirit, particularly in the second set when she scored three consecutive points to briefly tie the match.

Season and Table Impact

With this dominant straight-sets victory, Croatia climbed to second place in European League Women Group B, improving their record to 4-1 (12 points). The win keeps them in strong contention for the Final Four, trailing group leaders Czech Republic by just two points. North Macedonia, meanwhile, remain winless at 0-5 (0 points) and are now mathematically eliminated from advancing, though they showed glimpses of improvement in patches of the second set. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Skopje on July 4, where North Macedonia will aim to salvage some pride in their final group match.