Belgium reaches European volleyball quarterfinals again, Slovenia dominates Balkan derby
At the European men's volleyball championship in Turin, Belgium defeated the Czech Republic 3-1 in the round of 16, while Slovenia beat Serbia 3-0. Belgium will now face Slovenia in the quarterfinals.
The round of 16 at the European men's volleyball championship concluded in Turin, with Belgium defeating the Czech Republic 3-1 and Slovenia beating Serbia 3-0.
Belgium overcomes surprise Czech run
Belgium, which topped its group after beating the Netherlands, Finland, Estonia, Denmark and Serbia, faced the Czech Republic, last year's surprise semifinalist at the World Championship in the Philippines. Belgium lost the first set but then took control through serving and blocking, closing out the match 3-1 (20:25, 26:24, 25:14, 25:15). Ferre Reggers led the winners with 24 points, including four blocks and two aces, while Sam Deroo added 17. For the Czechs, Lukas Vasina and Patrik Indra each scored 14 points. Belgium had reached the quarterfinals at last year's World Championship as well.
Slovenia sees off Serbia
Slovenia, which had convincingly beaten Slovakia, Sweden and the Czech Republic in the group stage but unexpectedly lost to Greece and to world champions Italy, faced Serbia in the round of 16. After controlling the first two sets, Slovenia struggled in the third but broke Serbian resistance with a 4:1 run late in the set, sealing a 3-0 win (25:14, 25:13, 25:22). Nik Mujanović topped the scoring for Slovenia with 14 points, including three aces.
Belgium to face Slovenia in quarterfinals
The quarterfinals on September 22-23 will feature France against Romania, Italy against Finland, Poland against Germany, and Belgium against Slovenia. Latvia's national team was eliminated in the round of 16, losing 0-3 to Poland.
