Belgium-Denmark (U20 boys)
3-1 (23-25, 25-21, 25-16 and 25-17)

Our U20 boys made an excellent start to their European Championship qualification tournament in Hartberg, Austria. Against Denmark, they forced a vital 3-1 victory: 23-25, 25-21, 25-16 and 25-17.
However, it did not start off too well for the Young Red Dragons, as in the first set they let 21-19 slip out of their hands in extremis: 23-25

We needed all our manpower: Matis Verwimp and Martin Lechien alternated at libero, Warre Vandecruys took over from Eliot De Vleeschhauwer, Tijmen Bus and Kobe Verwimp also took turns. And still things looked set to go wrong in set two, when the Skandinavians ran out to 15-19. But suddenly Joppe Wolters set the example with a series of tricky floatation kicks, after which substitute Rens Bogaerts secured the set with a flawless ace: 25-21.

The fence was only completely drawn when Berre Van Looveren hit the ball twice from the service line at 10-10 in set three: 14-10. Robbe Ponseele had been watching closely. His serves brought the Danes to despair. From 19-16 to 25-16.

Confidence completely restored, Mauro Lips blocked us early to a 9-5 bonus in set four. We held that until é0-16, followed by another punishing final spurt for 25-17.
Today at 16h30 follows the second assignment, against Spain. To be followed via livestream: youtube.com


Romania-Belgium (U20 girls)
3-0 (13-25, 16-25, 12-25)

The U20 girls had little trouble with the Romanian team. The young Tigers took control of the match from set 1. Both receptionally and offensively, they outperformed their opponent. Saar Bertels (11 points), Yana Wouters (10 points) and Kaat Cos (9 points) crowned themselves top scorers. Younster Tea Radovic immediately got playing opportunities and thanked with 7 offensive points.

Another match, which may be more exciting, follows at 4.30pm. Belgium - Austria: youtube.com