The Red Dragons are entering a new phase in their summer campaign after narrowly missing out on the Final Four in the European Golden League. This week, they depart for China to compete in the FIVB Challenger Cup.

The team remains largely unchanged from the European Golden League. Robin Blondeel will not travel to China as he is expecting a child soon, with Robbe Ponseele taking his place. Additionally, Mauro Lips joins the squad as a replacement for Jasper Verhamme, who is still recovering from an ankle injury sustained during the European Golden League.

Players like Stijn D'Hulst and Sam Deroo have opted for rest after an intense campaign last year followed by club commitments. Matthijs Desmet continues his rehabilitation and will also be unavailable.

Thanks to strong performances in last summer's Olympic Qualification Tournament, the Red Dragons have accumulated enough points in the world rankings to participate in the Challenger Cup as the highest-ranked team.

Ultimate Goal: VNL 2025

There are two paths for the Red Dragons to qualify for the Volley Nations League next summer. The first is straightforward: win the Challenger Cup for direct qualification. The second hinges on maintaining their ranking through a strong showing at the Challenger Cup and hoping that Ukraine, the Challenger Cup winner, allows Belgium to qualify as the highest-ranked team.

Belgium and Ukraine are considered favorites for the title based on their rankings. Assessing the strengths of the other teams is challenging. China, led by Vital Heynen, poses a significant threat and aims to win the Challenger Cup and participate in the VNL next year. The Chinese team strategically used a different squad in the Asian Cup to prepare their main team for their primary goal this summer, the Challenger Cup.

It promises to be an exciting battle. The Dragons approach their quarterfinal against Croatia with confidence. According to Assistant Coach Koen Aerts, their earlier loss to Croatia this summer did not reflect their current form. "We faced Croatia early in our campaign when we were still finding our rhythm, while Croatia relied on experience and team chemistry. Now, the situation is different."

S: Seppe Van Hoyweghen, Robbe Ponseele

OPP: Jolan Cox, Ferre Reggers

OH: Seppe Rotty, Simon Plaskie, Robbe Van De Velde, Pierre Perin

MB: Wout D'Heer, Michiel Fransen, Milan Dalli Cardillo, Mauro Lips

LIB: Bert Dufraing, Kobe Verwimp