Belgium’s men signed off their European Championship group stage in Tampere with an emphatic victory. The Red Dragons recorded their first 3-0 win of the tournament against Serbia: 25-19, 25-21 and 25-16. The result guarantees Belgium at least second place in the group, with top spot still possible if Finland lose later in the evening.

Head coach Emanuele Zanini kept faith with the line-up that had finished the previous match against Denmark. Serbia made the stronger start, moving into a 7-10 lead, but Belgium quickly closed the gap. Ferre Reggers found his rhythm early, while setter Stijn D’Hulst varied his distribution, bringing Martijn Colson into play effectively. A well-placed attack deep into the backcourt from Seppe Rotty levelled the score at 13-13. Zanini’s double substitution also paid off. Matthias Valkiers was available again after recovering from illness, while an ace from fellow substitute Dermaux gave Belgium further momentum. Captain Sam Deroo then beat a triple block to put his side ahead at 19-18. From there, the Red Dragons pulled away. Reggers also scored from position four before Deroo converted the first set point after a long rally: 25-19.

The second set remained close for much of the way. The teams traded points until 9-9 before Serbia edged ahead. Reggers brought Belgium back level at 13-13. Too many Belgian errors from the service line allowed Serbia to stay in contention, but the Red Dragons made the difference in the closing stages. Reggers delivered both on serve and in attack, with strong support from Rotty and Deroo. Belgium moved into a 23-21 lead before sealing the set 25-21.

Serbia initially kept pace in the third set, but Belgium’s attacking quality soon shone through again. The Serbians appeared to be feeling the effects of their gruelling five-set match the previous day, while Belgium maintained a high level across the team. The Red Dragons opened up a five-point gap at 13-8 and continued to build their advantage. Reggers kept the Serbian defence under pressure, and Belgium never relinquished control. A 25-16 scoreline completed an impressive straight-sets victory.

Reggers finished as Belgium’s leading scorer with 16 points, followed by Deroo with 14 and Rotty with 10.

Played for Belgium: Reggers (16), Deroo (14), D’Hulst, Coolman (3), Rotty (10), Colson (4) and Lantsoght.

Substitutes used: Dermaux (3), Valkiers and Vandecruys.