The Yellow Tigers also won their fourth pool match at the European Championship. In front of a packed arena in Baku, Belgium defeated hosts Azerbaijan 3-0. The Tigers controlled the opening two sets before overturning an eight-point deficit in the third. The set scores were 25-19, 25-22 and 25-23, keeping Belgium unbeaten at EuroVolley.


For the first time in the tournament, the Yellow Tigers played in front of a full arena. Around 5,000 spectators created an impressive atmosphere in Baku, giving Belgium a taste of what could await them in Istanbul.

The Tigers immediately carried their strong form from the match against Romania into the opening set. They raced into an 8-3 lead and firmly controlled proceedings. Azerbaijan struggled to contain Belgium’s quick and varied attacking play, allowing the Tigers to extend their advantage to 17-10.

Inspired by substitute Imanova, the hosts increased the pressure from the service line and reduced the deficit to 17-15. Belgium did not panic. Britt Herbots and Pauline Martin stepped up again, helping the Tigers restore a comfortable lead at 21-17. Substitute Nel Demeyer finished the set at 24-19: 25-19.

The second set began evenly before the Tigers shifted up a gear. Their varied attacking game helped them move ahead 9-5. Herbots was enjoying an excellent match and also produced a memorable moment of fair play. After a powerful attack struck substitute Pavlenko in the face, the Belgian captain immediately crossed under the net to apologise.

Belgium remained in control and increased its lead to 15-11. Azerbaijan, however, fought its way back into the set. Head coach Kris Vansnick attempted to restore Belgium’s rhythm with a double substitution, introducing Elise Van Sas and Liese Verhelst. The hosts closed the gap to 20-19 before drawing level at 22-22.

The Tigers kept their composure. Martin took responsibility and earned Belgium two set points. Herbots then sealed the set with a powerful serve: 25-22 and a 2-0 lead.

Azerbaijan made the stronger start to the third set and quickly moved 0-3 ahead. Determined to avoid a straight-sets defeat in front of their home crowd, the hosts raised their level. Belgium’s game became less fluent, and several errors allowed Azerbaijan to establish a 6-10 advantage.

The hosts continued to put the Belgian reception under pressure with strong serving. The Tigers struggled to score, and the deficit grew to eight points at 10-18. Verhelst had meanwhile replaced Martin.

Belgium was not finished, however. With Van Sas also on court and Tea Radovic serving, the Tigers launched an impressive comeback. They scored seven consecutive points to close the gap to 18-19. At 20-20, Britt Fransen produced a strong block to bring Belgium fully back into contention.

Moments later, Verhelst fired a back-row attack onto the floor to make it 21-20. Substitute Pauline Luyten followed with an ace before Herbots earned three match points at 24-21. Azerbaijan saved the first two, but Verhelst sealed the victory with a clever tip: 25-23.

The Tigers completed an eight-point comeback and secured a deserved 3-0 victory. It was a true collective performance, with every player contributing to the win.

Post-match reactions

Tea Radovic: “It was a very difficult match, but we expected that because we knew Azerbaijan were a strong team. I think we fought really well, especially in the third set. I’m very happy that we once again showed what we are capable of.”

“During our comeback, we started serving and defending better, while also controlling the play on the other side of the net. We did what we needed to do to win that final set. It would be great to win our last pool match as well and make it five victories in a row.”

Played for Belgium

Herbots (22), Lemmens (1), Radovic (8), Nagels (1), Martin (16), Fransen (8) and Rampelberg.

Came on

Van Sas, Koulberg (3), Demeyer (1), Verhelst (5) and Luyten (1).