The Red Dragons claimed a 3-1 victory over Denmark in their fourth match of the European Championship in Tampere. After a difficult opening set, Belgium gradually took control of the match and secured an important win. The set scores were 19-25, 25-20, 25-19 and 25-23.

Head coach Emanuele Zanini rewarded some of the players who had made the difference the previous day. Simon Plaskie replaced Seppe Rotty, while Samuel Fafchamps remained in the starting line-up ahead of Pieter Coolman. Ferre Reggers, Sam Deroo, Martijn Colson, Stijn D'Hulst and Gorik Lantsoght completed the starting seven. Matthias Valkiers was ill and did not make the bench, leaving D'Hulst as Belgium's only available setter.

Denmark started with plenty of enthusiasm and immediately put Belgium under pressure. A kill block on Reggers followed by an ace gave the Danes a 4-8 advantage. Reggers also struggled to find his rhythm early on and, at 7-13, D'Hulst had to look for solutions elsewhere. Substitute Basil Dermaux provided some fresh energy and immediately made his presence felt by finishing a long rally. Captain Deroo also tried to lead his team back into the set, but Denmark remained in control and took the opener 19-25.

Zanini made changes for the second set and returned to the starting line-up he had used in the opening matches. Coolman and Rotty replaced Fafchamps and Plaskie. Denmark again made the better start and opened up a three-point advantage at 5-8. The Dragons gradually fought their way back into the match, while Reggers also started finding his scoring rhythm. At 11-11, Belgium was back on level terms.

The Dragons created their first small gap at 14-12 and began to raise their level. Belgium moved from 18-15 to 22-15 and appeared to have the set under control. Denmark, however, found a second wind and closed the gap to 22-19. They would get no closer. Substitute Vandecruys delivered a strong serve on set point as Belgium closed it out 25-20 to level the match at 1-1.

Denmark did not appear affected by losing the second set and again took an early lead in the third. Deroo and Coolman helped Belgium draw level at 8-8, before the Dragons gradually took control. Led by Deroo, Belgium opened up a four-point advantage at 15-11.

With Deroo at the service line, the Dragons continued their run and raced to 18-11. A lengthy discussion following a challenge for a possible net fault did little to disrupt Belgium's concentration. The Red Dragons remained in control and wrapped up the third set 25-19 to move 2-1 ahead.

The fourth set remained finely balanced for a long time. Denmark continued to celebrate every point enthusiastically, while Belgium kept its composure under the leadership of Deroo and Reggers. The Dragons won several long rallies thanks to solid defensive work followed by efficient attacking. Rotty brought Belgium level at 8-8 with a powerful 106 km/h attack.

With Denmark leading 8-10, Zanini called a timeout to give his players some instructions. Both teams then traded side-outs, allowing the Danes to maintain their narrow advantage. Deroo eventually brought Belgium level at 18-18 with a successful pipe attack, prompting a Danish timeout.

Moments later, Colson and Reggers took control at the net with their blocking and put Belgium ahead 20-18. Denmark refused to go away and a powerful jump serve from Madsen reduced the deficit to 22-21, setting up a tense finish.

Coolman then blocked Belgium to match point, forcing Denmark into its second timeout. The Danes saved the first opportunity before Reggers missed the chance to finish the match on the next rally. Belgium remained composed, however, and the third match point proved decisive. Reggers attacked off the Danish block and out to seal the fourth set 25-23 and a 3-1 victory for the Red Dragons.

Played for Belgium: Reggers (25), Deroo (14), D’Hulst, Plaskie (4), Fafchamps (1), Colson (9) and Lantsoght.

Came on: Coolman (6), Rotty (6), Dermaux (3), Vandecruys.