Belgium Shocks Italy to Secure World Championship Knockout Stage Spot
The Belgian men’s volleyball team achieved a remarkable 3-2 victory over Italy, the defending world champions, on Tuesday, securing their place in the Round of 16 at the Volleyball World Championship, reports 24brussels.
Belgium began the match explosively, winning the first two sets. However, Italy, ranked second globally and boasting extensive tournament experience, fought back, leveling the match at 2-2. The decisive tiebreak was fiercely contested, but Belgium maintained composure, clinching the set 15-13.
“I am incredibly proud,” stated captain Sam Deroo in a post-match interview, singling out the performance of 19-year-old libero Gork Lantsoght. “He was amazing, as was the entire team (…) We have a very good foundation and a unique balance in the squad.”
“We have a very good foundation and a unique balance in the squad”
Belgium commenced their World Championship journey in Manila with a decisive 3-0 victory over Ukraine on Sunday. With this latest win, the team has already secured a spot in the Round of 16. Their final group match against Algeria is scheduled for Thursday at 8 AM Belgian time, where a win could position Belgium at the top of the group.
This year’s tournament features 32 teams, where the top two from each group advance to the knockout rounds. Belgium’s group will face Pool C in the Round of 16, which includes former Olympic champions France, alongside Argentina, Finland, and South Korea.
This marks Belgium’s first World Championship appearance since 2018, where they finished in 10th place. The team did not qualify for the 2022 tournament, with their best historical result being an eighth-place finish in 1970.
