WHILE seen as an underdog by armchair pundits, Belgium is fast proving its worth in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
As one of the teams flying under the radar from the powerhouse European circle, the Red Dragons knocked out Finland in the Round of 16 with a 25-21, 25-17, 25-21 win last Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Belgians’ secret? Sheer hard work.
“I came to this federation four years ago. We can call this a new project, you can say. . . because most of the players are very young, and we start really far from where we are now, now in this tournament we are in the best eight,” Belgium coach Emanuele Zanini said. “To maintain to be in the best position in the world, is very tough because you know that there’s a lot of important teams that are out just now, but they have a huge value.
“Especially, France, it’s the medalist in the Olympic Games and Brazil. So, we have to work a lot to be able to keep at this level, and to be able to compete,” he added.
Belgian rising star Ferre Reggers expressed pride with the fiery form of his squad, currently world No. 15.
The 22-year-old opposite spiker finished the preliminary phase as the top scorer with 73 points, 62 attacks, seven blocks, four service aces.
“I’m really overwhelmed but also really proud. We knew we had a good team but we didn’t know how to measure us with the top of the world. Now, we’re in the top eight so this proves a lot that we have a bright future,” he said.
“We have to keep working but we will get there. We have some more chances to play at this high level and this will help us grow even more.”
Belgium will face a tough battle in the knockout quarterfinals as it collides with reigning champion and powerhouse Italy tomorrow at the same venue.
The Red Dragons stunned the Azzurri 25-23, 25-20, 22-25, 21-25, 15-13 when they first met in the pool phase.
“Well, for sure, it will be a very difficult game. Maybe, in the first game, they were a little bit surprised. Now, for sure, they already have the data for sure, and also tactically they will change something, they will study the video,” Zanini said. “Now, we will celebrate what’s ours and after that we will reset. We already know that it will be a difficult game, and it’s not possible to compare what we had a week ago, few days ago.
“The load of the game will be completely different, because the winner will advance to the semifinals. Anyway, we are proud and satisfied to play in this way.”
