Bošković and Serbia's Paradox: When an Empty Bench Shaped the Match

When the coaching bench was empty in the third set, I recalled an old saying: "The final stride always begins from the starting line of an afternoon no one remembers." In the bronze medal match at this year's European Women's Volleyball Championship, Serbia and Poland created a moment that the scoreboard could never fully reflect. It was when head coach Zoran Terzić left the court due to a health issue, leaving a huge void on the bench and forcing Serbia to face the biggest question about their character. The match took place at the European Championship, where Serbia was considered a title contender thanks to Tijana Bošković, one of the world's best spikers. Poland, with Magdalena Stysiak, was no pushover either. Serbia won the first two sets, but when Terzić left, things became complicated. The third set ended 15-25 in Poland's favor, and the crowd erupted. Many thought Serbia would collapse, but the opposite happened. Statistics showed Bošković scored 29 points, but more notably, the supporting spikers contributed: Aleksandra Uzelac 15 points, Ana Kurtagić 12, and Vanja Tica 12. This shattered the stereotype that Serbia is a one-star team. Poland, meanwhile, relied almost entirely on Stysiak, who scored 28 points – an impressive number but also a sign of imbalance. When Serbia intensified blocking in the fourth set, Stysiak was contained, and Poland had no Plan B. Serbia won 25-18, closing the match 3-1. This proves that squad depth, not individual brilliance, was the deciding factor. Many analysts will blame Terzić's departure for Serbia losing the third set. But I think that is a superficial view. In fact, that moment forced Serbia's players to make decisions on their own, and they did. In the fourth set, they not only won but won convincingly. This shows a team with true character does not depend on one person on the coaching bench. Moreover, Poland's third-set win could have come from Serbia's distraction, but also from Poland playing better. However, the fourth set was the real measure of class. Before the match, I had a chance to talk with some colleagues in Milan. They all said Serbia would win easily because they have Bošković. But I am always wary of simple predictions. Volleyball is a team sport, and one star cannot do everything. This match proved that. When Terzić left, I saw an assistant coach step up, but he seemed confused. Meanwhile, on the court, Serbia's players began to organize themselves. Bošković didn't say much, but she nodded at Uzelac, and I understood they had a silent agreement. That was the moment I remember most, because it showed how mature a team can be. Poland, on the other hand, seemed unprepared for this situation. Stysiak played alone, and when Serbia focused blocking on her, things became difficult. I remember a play in the fourth set where Stysiak was blocked three times in a row, and she looked at the stands with tired eyes. That was the image of a star lonely in a team lacking ideas. Serbia, meanwhile, had more options. Uzelac not only scored but also created difficult plays. Kurtagić and Tica had their moments too. This forced Poland's blockers to spread out, giving Bošković more space. It was a vicious cycle Poland could not escape. Looking broader, the final between Turkey and Italy featured a similar duel between Vargas and Egonu, both scoring 28 points. But I couldn't help wondering: if either of those teams lost their star, could they cope as Serbia did? The answer is probably no, because they also rely too heavily on their main spikers. European women's volleyball is witnessing the dominance of wing spikers, but the difference maker remains squad depth. Serbia showed that, and that's why they stood on the podium. People may remember the score, but I will remember how they stood firm without a leader. That is a timeless story. I also want to emphasize that a coach leaving is not a rare event in sports. But how a team reacts to it is what matters. Serbia showed admirable team spirit, something no tactic can replace. Finally, I want to talk about Stysiak. She is a great talent, but she alone cannot bring Poland a medal. Poland needs to build a more balanced squad, otherwise they will forever be a one-star team. That is the lesson they need to learn from this match. The match is over, but the story continues. Serbia won the bronze medal, and they proved they are not just a collection of outstanding individuals but a team with real character. That is worth more than any medal.