Germany Women faced a stiffer test later on May 24, 2026, as they took on the Netherlands Women in a Friendly International match. Despite a strong start, Germany fell 1-3 (25-21, 23-25, 20-25, 18-25) to a resilient Dutch side that showed why they remain one of Europe's top volleyball nations.

Match Overview

The match began with Germany looking sharp. They won the opening set 25-21, using aggressive serving and effective blocking to unsettle the Netherlands' attack. However, the Dutch quickly regrouped. In the second set, they improved their serve reception and began to exploit mismatches at the net. The set was tight, with Germany holding a 23-22 lead, but the Netherlands scored three consecutive points to level the match.

From the third set onward, the Netherlands took control. Their middle blockers dominated, while opposite hitter Celeste Plak found gaps in the German defence with powerful swings. Germany struggled to maintain consistency in serve and passing, leading to unforced errors. The Dutch won the third set 25-20 and cruised to a 25-18 victory in the fourth to seal the match 3-1.

Key Tactical Story

The Netherlands adjusted their game plan after dropping the first set. They started targeting Germany's libero in serve receive, which disrupted the German transition. Offensively, the Dutch used quick combinations to bypass Germany's strong block, especially in the middle. Germany's hitters, initially effective, faced a more aggressive Dutch block as the match progressed, with several spikes being dug or blocked back.

Standout Performers

• Netherlands Women: Opposite Celeste Plak finished with 18 points, including 3 aces and 2 blocks. Middle blocker Juliet Lohuis contributed 7 blocks and 10 points, anchoring the Dutch defence.
• Germany Women: Outside hitter Lina Alsmeier led Germany with 14 points. However, the team's error count (22 unforced errors) proved costly.

Season Context

This split result on the same day—a 3-0 win over Ukraine followed by a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands—illustrates Germany's current form: capable of dominating weaker opponents but still finding consistency against elite sides. For the Netherlands, the victory reinforces their depth and tactical versatility, marking them as a serious contender for podium finishes in upcoming tournaments.