Russia, Spain reach women's volleyball European Championship playoffs

BRATISLAVA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Russia's comfortable 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-22) victory over Spain on Wednesday, in their penultimate Group D match at the Women's European Volleyball Championship, put the 19-times European champions in second place of the group table and secures a spot in the Eight Final.

Despite their third loss in five matches, Spain also clinches a playoff spot, together with previously qualified Germany and Slovakia.

Germany beat Belarus almost in practice mode 3-0 (25-10, 25-15, 25-15) in their easiest win out of five at the 2019 European Championship yet. The team of coach Felix Koslowski remains undefeated and will face one of three underdogs - either Ukraine, Slovenia or Portugal in the Eight Final.