The Yellow Tigers started very strongly in the first set of the bronze medal match against Romania. From the beginning, they played collectively and efficiently, leading to an early lead of 9-2. Everything seemed to work for the Tigers, who extended their maximum lead to 14 points at 23-9. Although Romania managed to score a few points, the first set ultimately went convincingly to Belgium with a final score of 25-14.


In the second set, the game was initially even, with a score of 3-3. Then Belgium pulled ahead to 7-3. Romania got better into the game and seemed able to come back, but at 10-8, Belgium took the initiative again. A strong service series increased the score to 17-8. Belgium then played out the second set maturely, without losing their composure, and won 25-12.


In the third set, Romania initially hung on, but Belgium maintained control with scores of 12-8 and 15-10. Romania did not give up and came back to within three points at 20-17. The Yellow Tigers remained calm and never panicked. They played the third set very maturely and finished with a 25-19 victory.


This 3-0 win gives Belgium the bronze medal in the European Golden League. At the beginning of July, the Tigers will travel to the Philippines for the FIVB Challenger Cup.

Reaction Kris Vansnick: "After yesterday's disappointment, today's performance was very clean. Last night, the entire group reviewed what went wrong and turned that disappointment into motivation for today. As a result, Romania was decisively defeated 3-0, securing a bronze medal. This is only the third medal in the history of the national team. We are especially pleased with how the entire team and many new players seized their opportunities! It is clear that the structure we have been working on for years is bearing fruit. Following this European League, we have already achieved our goal of World Cup qualification and now hold the 13th place in the world ranking."