Belgium Dominates Cuba with Powerful Blocks in World Championship Opener

Middle blockers Lemmens and Van Avermaet led the scoring, showcasing Belgium`s strong defensive play.

The Belgian women`s national volleyball team began their 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship campaign in Thailand with a decisive straight-set victory over Cuba. In the Pool B opener held in Phuket on Friday, Belgium`s dominant blocking proved too much for their NORCECA opponents.

Belgium secured a commanding 3-0 (25-23, 25-14, 25-11) win, primarily thanks to an overwhelming performance at the net, registering 14 kill blocks compared to Cuba`s mere two. Beyond their formidable blocking, the European squad also outperformed Cuba in attack, scoring 42 spike kills against 34, and demonstrated greater precision with only 9 unforced errors compared to Cuba`s 16. Both teams managed three points from serves.

The match`s top scorers were Belgium`s middle blockers. Nathalie Lemmens led all players with 12 points, contributing four blocks, an ace, and an impressive 60% attack efficiency. Silke Van Avermaet added 11 points, including five crucial kill blocks. Additionally, Belgium’s three wing spikers – 22-year-old opposite Pauline Martin, 18-year-old outside hitter Tea Radovic, and star captain Britt Herbots – each contributed 10 points.

Following the match, captain Britt Herbots shared her thoughts with VBTV: “I was quite certain that the beginning would be a bit challenging. We have a few young players, and that introduces a mix of excitement and nerves during critical moments. However, after the first set, we successfully established our rhythm and found our game, which was paramount today. The most significant outcome, naturally, is this 3-0 victory at the commencement of the World Championship, an event we’ve eagerly anticipated for so long.”

For Cuba, outside hitters Evilania Martinez and Claudia Tarin were the standout performers, each tallying eight points.

Later on the opening day, in another Pool B encounter, the reigning Olympic and VNL champions, Italy, are set to commence their tournament against Slovakia, who are making their debut at the World Championship. This match will take place at 20:30 local time (13:30 UTC).