Belgium`s decisive win over Slovakia not only propelled them forward but also ensured Italy`s qualification for the next stage.
Outside hitter Britt Herbots carried Belgium to victory with a 21-point performance.
Belgium concluded the third day of competition at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship as one of only two teams to secure two straight-set victories, thereby guaranteeing their place in the tournament`s Round of 16.
Playing in Phuket, the European squad decisively defeated their continental counterparts, Slovakia, in a 3-0 sweep (25-19, 25-17, 25-18) on Sunday. This result effectively determined the progression of all four nations in Pool B in Thailand.
Olympic champions Italy also delivered a commanding performance against Cuba in the day`s opening match in Phuket, triumphing 3-0 (25-9, 25-8, 25-16). With these results, both Belgium and Italy accumulated six points, claiming both available Round of 16 slots from Pool B. This outcome leaves Slovakia and Cuba, neither of whom has won a set in the tournament, without a path to advance.
Leading Belgium`s offensive charge was star outside hitter Britt Herbots, who contributed an impressive 21 points (18 kills, two aces, one block) to their victory. Middle blocker Silke Van Avermaet added 12 points, with eight kills, three blocks, and one ace.
Outside hitter Nel Demeyer emphasized the match`s significance, stating, “This was a crucial game for us; we absolutely needed to win to qualify for the next round.” She continued, “Our ambitious goal is to reach the top eight, and we are committed to fighting for it. We`re training intensely and leveraging our strengths to advance as far as possible.”
For Slovakia, middle blocker Tereza Hrušecká was the sole player to achieve a double-digit score, finishing with 13 points (nine kills, three blocks, one ace).
Slovakia`s outside hitter Karin Palgutová expressed belief in her team despite the loss: “I have faith in this team, and I know we are capable of much more. Matches like this only motivate us to play harder and elevate our game. We gave our best today. The tournament isn`t over, so we need to mentally regroup and prepare for our next encounter.”
Belgium maintained dominance throughout the match, outperforming their opponents in kills (46 to 33) and aces (five to two). They also played a remarkably clean game, conceding only 11 points from errors compared to Slovakia’s 19. Slovakia, however, recorded more blocks, eight to Belgium`s five.
The final pool matches are scheduled for Tuesday. European rivals Italy and Belgium will face off at 17:00 local time (10:00 GMT), while Cuba and Slovakia will compete at 20:30 local time (13:30 GMT), both aiming to conclude their tournament with a victory.
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick