The unavailability of Van Looveren, Speltinckx and Lips forced the staff to make yet another starting line-up. De Vleeschhauwer started again and Ponseele, Spiessens, Wolters, Bus and Kobe Verwimp completed the starting 6. Libero on duty Matis Verwimp.


Belgium started the match with drive (10-5 and 13-6). The tactical picture was right and both defensively and offensively Belgium kept control of the match (14-8 ). However, Portugal came back to 18-15 and 21-19. Two kill-blocks by Bus brought the score to 23-19 and Wolters smashed the 25-22 on the board.


Belgium continued with the same momentum (6-2) with Wolters at the cannon in the early stages. The Belgian block did the rest and Belgium deepened their lead to 12-6. However, Portugal came back to 12-10 but Belgium ran back out to 16-11. It was 18-16 but a decisive Belgium steamed through to set win 25-21.


Portugal continued to fight back (2-4) but Belgium took control again (12-7). The Belgian block continued to dominate at the net (13-7 and 19-11). Portugal did not overcome the pressure (22-12) and Belgium scored its first clean sheet of the tournament : 25-15.


An undeserved victory for Belgium, which showed exceptional resilience. This concludes the pool matches and Belgium finishes either 3rd or 2nd in its pool depending on the outcome of the ITA-FRA match scheduled for tonight. Placement matches tomorrow.