Pasay City. Philippines.Belgium cleanly defeated Finland and for the first time since 1970 will play among the top eight teams at a World Championship. In a round of 16 match at the World Championship in the Philippines in Pasay City, Sam Deroo and company were decisive against the "Suomis" with a 3:0 set victory (25-21, 25-17, 25-21). The "Red Dragons" showed greater stability in key moments and hardly allowed the opponent to dictate the pace of the game. Belgium enjoyed the support of a solid fan base in the Mall Of Asia Arena.

Belgium wins by a convincing 16 points more. The Belgians have the most significant advantage in blocking – 8 blocks against only 1 for the Finns. Finland partially compensated with better serving (4 aces against 0), but this was not enough to tip the balance.

Finland demonstrated better reception (64 successful receptions), as well as more setting actions. Nevertheless, Belgium was more effective in the final phase of the attack, which compensated for the slight superiority of the northerners in game organization.

Top scorers:

The Belgian duo Ferre Reggers and Sam Deroo scored a total of 39 points.

From Finland, only Jokela managed to maintain scoring, but without sufficient support from his teammates.

Belgium demonstrated its class in all three sets, with strong blocking and attack deciding the match. Finland had flashes of brilliance in reception and serving, but could not find enough arguments to resist. With this victory, the "Red Dragons" deservedly secure their place in the quarterfinals,where they will face the reigning world champions from Italy.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov