Povoa de Varzim, Portugal, June 28, 2015 - The second of the two FIVB Volleyball World League Pool E matches between Portugal and Belgium in Povoa de Varzim this weekend saw the visitors defeat their hosts 3-0 (28-26, 25-23, 25-18), after they had won 3-1 in their match on Saturday.
Belgium had won all their World League matches against Portugal going into this match, all this season: 3-0, 3-2 and 3-1 yesterday. Their victory puts them at the top of the pool ranking, three points above closest rivals the Netherlands.
Portugal began the first set well, leading 8-4 then 14-8, but the team coached by Dominique Baeyens made their way back into the set to equal scores and take control at 17-18, Sam Deroo completing the turnaround. The local team pushed the visitors all the way, until Seppe Baetens' ace gave Belgium a two-point lead to claim the first set.
The beginning of the second set again saw coach Hugo Silva's men in the lead at 8-4 at the first technical timeout and later 14-8. Aces from Deroo, however, helped the visitors back into the set and to give them a one point lead at the second technical timeout 15-16. In a repeat of the first set, they held on to that lead to the end of the set.
Portugal were unable to recover from the double setback, and trailed the visitors throughout set three, with Belgium enjoying a comfortable lead to the end. Belgian captain Sam Deroo scored 21 points to lead his teammates to victory.
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