6 sets in sum for both Germany and Belgium in #EuroVolley Qualifications
Recap
The weekend dedicated to the Qualification for the 2026 European Championship has started. Today, we'll discuss the matches Azerbaijan vs. Belgium (men) and Switzerland vs. Germany (women).
Men: Azerbaijan vs. Belgium 0:3 (17:25, 12:25, 19:25)
Azerbaijan had already played one match against Austria in Group B, losing 0:3. This was Belgium's first match in this Qualification.
Belgium began confidently, leading 4:1. Although Azerbaijan had the advantage of playing at home, Belgium dominated the first set. Azerbaijan made numerous errors, and the final 25th point was given to Belgium due to a net touch by the setter.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Belgium started strong in serving and attacking, quickly pulling ahead 9:4. They maintained their lead, winning the set 25:12, again due to an opponent's error, this time an attack into the net.
In the third set, Azerbaijan briefly took the lead for the first time at 5:4. However, Belgium quickly regained momentum, secured their points, and won the set 25:19, and the match 3:0. This was Belgium's first victory in the tournament.
Top scorer - Sam DEROO (BEL) 19 points.
Women: Switzerland vs. Germany 0:3 (36:38, 18:25, 9:25)
Switzerland entered this game with a hard-fought 3:2 victory over Finland. For Germany, this was their first match in Group A.
The first set was a battle, ending 38:36 in Germany's favor. How often do you see such a score? Despite the result, Switzerland was stronger in the attack, but Germany's defense, especially their blocking, was the key factor.
Inspired by their first-set win, Germany started the second set by creating a lead from the first moments. By the middle of the set, they had doubled their advantage to 14:7. Germany's blocking was again superior, leading them to another set victory.
The third set could have turned the match around, but Switzerland struggled to find their game after the first set loss. Germany didn't allow their opponents to score even 10 points, finishing the set 25:9. The final match score was 3:0 in favor of Germany, marking their first victory in the tournament.
Top scorer Anastasia CEKULAEV (GER) 20 points.
