Germany achieved an extremely important victory in the Volleyball Nations League, after defeating Belgium 3:1 (25:22, 19:25, 25:23, 25:19) in a match from the second week of the tournament in Gliwice. Thus, the Germans recorded their third success in nine matches, climbed to 11th place in the provisional VNL standings, and took a serious step towards returning to the battle for a place in the final tournament. Belgium also remains with three victories but is now 12th.
The victory also brought valuable points for the world ranking. Germany won 6.54 points and climbed two positions to ninth place with a total of 256.92 points. Belgium lost the same number of points and remains 15th with 226.52 points.
The two teams offered an even clash, but the Germans demonstrated stronger nerves in key moments. Belgium started better and took the lead in the first set, but Germany gradually took the initiative and closed the set 25:22.
The 'Red Dragons' reacted excellently in the second set. With a more aggressive serve and more effective attack, the Belgians equalized after 25:19.
The third set proved decisive. Belgium recovered from a deficit and reached 19:19, but Germany remained calmer at the end and converted their third set point for 25:23.
In the fourth set, the two teams went point for point for a long time. In the decisive rallies, however, Germany made a run of five consecutive points, which ended the match at 25:19.
The top scorer for the winners was Böhme with 18 points, while Röhrs added 17. For Belgium, Ferre Reggers and Perrin scored 23 points each, while Plaskie finished with 14.
Statistics showed how even the match was. Belgium had an advantage in attack (64:57), but Germany compensated with an impressive blocking game (11:6). Both teams recorded three aces each, and the Germans also benefited from more opponent errors (23:16), which proved crucial for the final success.

photo:volleyballworld.com