The Red Dragons ended their first Volleyball Nations League campaign in style. In their fourth and final match of the third week in Osaka, Belgium recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Canada: 25-22, 25-22 and 25-19. Ferre Reggers once again led the Belgian scoring with 24 points.

It was the Dragons’ fourth victory of the campaign, following earlier wins against Iran, China and Bulgaria. Canada, who will no longer compete in the Nations League next season, never truly managed to disrupt Belgium’s rhythm. Emanuele Zanini’s side played with confidence, kept their composure in the important moments and made the difference with strong serving pressure.

Belgium made an excellent start and immediately took a 3-0 lead. Canada quickly recovered from that difficult opening, however, and soon levelled the score. The remainder of the first set was extremely even. At 11-11 and 16-16, the two teams were still locked together, with neither side able to create a meaningful gap.

At 20-20, the Red Dragons took the initiative. With Valkiers at the service line and a highly efficient Ferre Reggers at the net, Belgium opened up the first decisive lead of the match. Reggers scored nine points in the opening set alone and helped his team earn three set points at 24-21. Canada saved the first, but Wout Fafchamps then put 25-22 on the scoreboard.

Canada made the better start to the second set and moved ahead 3-6 and 5-8. Strong serving pressure from, among others, Reggers and Baetens allowed the Dragons to fight their way back into the contest. At 10-11, the deficit had been reduced to just one point.

Belgium then completed the turnaround. With Reggers and Seppe Plaskie scoring freely, the Dragons took the lead for the first time in the set at 16-15. The Belgians continued to push and were the first team to reach the 20-point mark at 20-18. Zanini’s side remained dominant in the decisive phase. They created a comfortable position at 23-20 before once again taking the set 25-22.

The Red Dragons maintained their strong level in the third set. Belgium quickly moved into a 4-1 lead and held onto that advantage at 8-5 and 11-8. Canada reduced the gap to a single point at 12-11, prompting Zanini to call a timeout.

The Dragons did not lose their composure and responded immediately. Reggers restored Belgium’s three-point advantage at 15-12. With Vandecruys introduced at the service line, the Dragons then extended their lead to 20-14 and moved ever closer to their first victory of the week in Osaka.

Plaskie showed no mercy and produced two consecutive aces to earn a series of match points for Belgium. Canada saved three of them with some strong kill blocks, but Aaron Baetens eventually finished the match at 25-19. The Red Dragons therefore concluded their first season at the highest international level with an impressive victory.

Ferre Reggers:

“Of course, as a player, you sometimes think about how many points you are scoring, but becoming the VNL’s top scorer is not the most important thing. During a match, we sometimes talk about giving a certain player as many balls as possible, but ultimately, winning is all that matters.

“I am very happy that we were able to end this week and our entire VNL campaign with a victory. We came here to grow, but also to show that we belong here. This was our first time in the VNL, the biggest competition in the world featuring the best teams. We really enjoyed the experience. We are pleased that we were able to show that Belgium belongs at this level as well. That is something we can be proud of as a team.”

Emanuele Zanini:

“Our objective was to secure our place in the VNL. That was a major challenge for us as a team. This competition is also extremely important with a view to qualifying for the Olympic Games. Without the VNL, it is very difficult for a smaller volleyball nation to climb the world rankings one position at a time.

“We are therefore satisfied with what we have achieved. Today, we once again proved that we can compete at this level. For several reasons, we were forced to make a number of changes to our roster throughout the campaign. It is not easy to keep finding the right balance, but the players did very well. They played with personality and executed the tactical instructions excellently.”

Zanini was particularly pleased with how the replacement players fitted into the team.

“That was one of the most positive aspects. When you replace an outside hitter, you also change the entire reception line. Despite that, our organisation remained solid. The more experienced players took responsibility and helped guide the younger players with clear instructions.

“Several players also developed greater continuity, consistency and self-confidence during this campaign. That is particularly important, especially for players who do not play every match for their clubs. We had a clear plan before the campaign and can be satisfied with the steps this group has taken.”

Played for Belgium: Reggers (24), Plaskie (13), Valkiers (1), Baetens (4), Fafchamps (8), Colson (5) and Lantsoght.

Came on: Fransen, Van Hoyweghen and Vandecruys.