The Belgians' last three opponents at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament are not minor ones. In order, they are Japan, Brazil and Turkey. A tough three-day task. This afternoon, the Yellow Tigers gave way to Japan. They were 3-0 too strong for our countrymen.

Coach Vansnick looks back on the match:
"We played today in a sold-out hall in front of 10,000 spectators. We chose again to start in the three-mid system ifv the experience in this kind of matches against Japan. Throughout the entire first set, we continued to match a strong home team. The substitutions also brought their added value. In set 2, Japan increased the serving pressure, leaving us in a one-setter for the first 10 points. However, the team kept working and did get our fly attacks into the match with a strong attacking Marlies Janssens. We couldn't get the gap closed again. In set 3, we tried again with Martin as opposite but Japan remained particularly strong defensively. We got a similar scenario as set 2, the spring also a bit broken. So a fantastic first set in which the Tigers played at their maximum. Now recuperate quickly because tomorrow awaits Brazil who lost heavily 3-0 to Turkey today. Must win so for Brazil."

Final score: Japan - Belgium: 3-0 (28-26, 25-18, 25-14)