Belgium Exits Volleyball World Championship in Quarter-Finals
The Belgian men’s national volleyball team was eliminated from the Volleyball World Championship on Wednesday after a decisive loss to Italy, with the defending champions winning in straight sets 25-13, 25-18, and 25-18 in Pasay City, Philippines, reports 24brussels.
Italy seized control of the match early, quickly avenging its previous defeat to Belgium in the group stage last week, where Belgium had achieved a surprising 3-2 victory over the world champions.
Belgian captain Sam Deroo acknowledged that his team struggled to find their rhythm against such formidable opponents. “We didn’t start too well and when you let a team like that play freely, it becomes almost impossible. We tried, we didn’t give up, but our level today was not enough to trouble them,” Deroo stated.
“In a few weeks, we’ll look back on this with pride.”
Despite the defeat, Belgium’s journey in the tournament was notable. The team, currently ranked 15th in the world, advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1970, having also secured victories against Ukraine, Algeria, and Finland during the tournament.
Deroo remained optimistic about the team’s overall performance, reflecting on the campaign as a significant achievement. “We did well. It’s a pity it ends like this. We wanted to put up a fiercer fight, but in a few weeks we’ll look back on this with pride. This gives us oxygen for the future,” he concluded.
Sam Deroo. © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER