Belgium’s Volleyball World Championship ends in quarter-finals with 3-0 loss to Italy
The Belgian men's national volleyball team were unable to repeat their earlier upset against Italy on Wednesday. The defending champions knocked Belgium out of the Volleyball World Championship in Pasay City, Philippines, in the quarter-finals.
Italy dominated from the start, taking the sets 25-13, 25-18 and 25-18 to avenge last week’s group-stage defeat. There, Belgium surprised the world champion with a 3-2 upset.
Captain Sam Deroo admitted his side never found their rhythm against the world champions. “We didn’t start too well and when you let a team like that play freely, it becomes almost impossible. We tried, we didn’t give up, but our level today was not enough to trouble them.”
"In a few weeks, we’ll look back on this with pride"
Despite the heavy loss, Belgium can look back on a successful campaign. The team, ranked 15th in the world, reached the last eight for the first time since 1970. Next to Italy, the Red Dragons also defeated Ukraine, Algeria and Finland.
Still, Deroo stressed that the overall performance was encouraging. “We did well. It’s a pity it ends like this. We wanted to put up a fiercer fight, but in a few weeks we’ll look back on this with pride. This gives us oxygen for the future.”
Sam Deroo. © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
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