Austria-Belgium (U20 boys) 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 25-23)

Our Young Red Dragons (U20) failed to qualify for the final round of the European Championships this summer. In Hartberg, Austria, they were treated to a second defeat by the home country in their third and final pool match: 3-1 (25-23, 17-25, 25-22, 25-22) This second defeat in three matches left them in third place in their pool, which is not enough for qualification.

The decision actually fell in the first set, when, after our 21-22, the referee changed his mind for some incomprehensible reason and suddenly awarded the point to the home team: 22-21.

The consequences were fatal: 25-23 for Austria. In set two, our youngsters showed the level they are up to. With a blitz start (4-13), they waltzed over Austria: 17-25.

Set three was another thriller. We managed to eliminate 17-14, but under great pressure at 22-22 Austria took the lead: 25-22. The elimination was a fact, the final set was just for the statistics: Austria won it 25-23 and thus crowned themselves group winners ahead of Spain and Belgium.