Dutch hosts seal spot in Women's European Volleyball Championship final with victory over Turkey

The Netherlands are through to the final of the Women's European Volleyball Championship after beating Turkey ©CEV

Host nation The Netherlands booked their place in the final of the Women’s European Volleyball Championship with a comfortable straight-sets victory over Turkey in Rotterdam.

Backed by a raucous crowd of nearly 7,000 inside the venue, the Dutch side produced a sterling performance on their way to a 25-22, 25-18, 28-26 success.

The result keeps their pursuit of a first European Championship title for 20 years alive, with their last triumph coming on home soil in Arnhem in 1995.

They will come up against defending champions Russia after they stunned Serbia with a 25-23, 25-23, 21-25, 25-22 win.

“What a crowd, it gives us so much energy,” The Netherlands coach Giovanni Guidetti said.

“This team can beat anyone, I just have to let them play and they performed with so much heart.”

The match between the hosts and Turkey, bronze medallists at the 2011 event, started evenly as both sides struggled to seize the initiative, with neither team able to establish a decisive advantage.

The Netherlands were able to take a 20-17 lead, however, and it was an advantage they didn’t relinquish, going on to strike first blood by claiming the opening set.

The topsy-turvy nature of proceedings continued in the second as the teams were locked at 6-6 before the home side claimed five straight points to move 11-6 ahead.

Roared on by the vociferous home support, The Dutch led 16-11 and they then survived a brief comeback from the Turkish team to close out the second set and edge closer to the final.

Despite having the upper hand towards the end of the third set, where the teams traded points with alarming regularity, Turkey were unable to fight their way back into the match as the Dutch were on the right side of a 28-26 scoreline to ensure they will play for gold.

Image title — Russia produced a solid display at both ends of the court on their way to beating favourites Serbia ©CEV

They are due to face a stern test if they are to lift the European Championship crown as Russia will come into the match full of confidence after dumping favourites Serbia out of the tournament at the semi-final stage.

Russia always looked likely of securing a spot in the final as they proved too strong for the 2011 champions but coach Yuriy Marichev says improvement is needed if they are to claim their second consecutive title.

"My team performed far from perfect today, but they fought for every point,” he said.

"Our will to win is our main weapon.

"Our setting must be better tomorrow against The Netherlands.”