S-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, June 7, 2015 - Belgium's top scorer Gert Van Walle and an outstanding performance by Sam Deroo led coach Dominique Baeyens' men to a straight-sets 3-0 (25-12, 25-17, 25-14) victory against the Netherlands in FIVB Volleyball World League Pool E on Sunday, making amends for the five-set defeat to their neighbours yesterday.
Following the disappointment of losing yesterday, after coming back from two sets down, Pool E leaders Belgium were keen to reclaim honours against the Netherlands today and immediately made their intentions clear in the first set. The Red Dragons led 19-7 and 20-9 to grab the first set 25-12, making the most of four blocks to none by the Dutch.
The second set saw coach Dominique Baeyens' team heap on the pressure to dominate their neighbours 17-25 and reverse yesterday's scenario, when the Dutch claimed the first two sets. At two sets down, it was looking difficult for the Netherlands to make their way back into the match, despite coach Gido Vermeulen's adjustments to the team.
Belgium's forward momentum carried them into an early lead in set three, indicating a firm will not to let their grip on the match slip. Strong play in all sectors took Belgium to a 17-9 lead. At 22-12, it was clear who was going to win this match, which the Belgians wrapped up 25-14 in the third set.
It was not just Belgium's victory that was spectacular. It was also the scoreline. At a total of 118 (43-75) points, this was by far the widest victory so far in the 2015 edition of the World League. And it is not too likely that we will see that record fall any time soon. The previous widest victory was Poland's over Russia at 128 points (75-53) on May 28.
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