Ljubljana - Slovenia defeated Ukraine 3:1 in Ljubljana on Wednesday to make it to the semi-finals of the World Volleyball Championship for the first time ever. They will next take on Italy in Poland's Katowice on Saturday.

Despite the benefit of the home crowd at the Stožice Arena, it took time for Slovenia to get into a right rhythm.

They lost the first set, struggled in the second and half-way through the third, but then, encouraged by loud support from the fans, showed spirited action.

At the end, they had some difficulties wrapping up the game, but the young Rok Možič managed to do it, having already heavily contributed to Slovenia's lead earlier.

The most efficient player in the Slovenian side was Klemen Čebulj, who scored 23 points.

"They blew us away in the first set, but we didn't panic. The decisive thing was we desired a win more," Jan Kozamernik commented on the historic success. Rok Možič added: "We won't stop in the semi-finals, we're going all the way!"