Belgium has made history at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in 55 years. The `Red Dragons` delivered a compelling performance on Sunday in Pasay City, sweeping Finland in a straight-sets victory (3-0). This triumph guarantees them at least an eighth-place finish, matching their best-ever result from 1970. Their next challenge will be a quarterfinal clash against Italy on Wednesday, September 24th, a team they previously defeated in the pool stage.
Match Overview
The match began with a resilient Finnish side taking a four-point lead in the first set. However, Belgium, showcasing their determination, rallied with four consecutive points in the decisive “money time” phase. Outside hitter Mathijs Desmet sealed the first set with a powerful swing, concluding it 25-21. The Red Dragons maintained control throughout the second set, with Desmet once again providing the set-winning point through a fierce overpass kill, expanding Belgium’s lead to 2-0. Although Finland attempted several comebacks in the third set, Belgium consistently held their advantage. The match concluded when 22-year-old opposite Ferre Reggers executed a successful block-out hit, igniting celebrations for a resounding 3-0 victory (25-21, 25-17, 25-21).
Key Performance Statistics
Belgium’s victory was attributed to several key statistical advantages. They outscored Finland in attack kills (42-36) and completely dominated in blocking, registering an impressive 8-1 in stuffs. Furthermore, the Red Dragons capitalized on Finland`s higher number of unforced errors, which stood at 25 compared to Belgium`s 18.
Ferre Reggers was the undeniable star of the match, delivering 18 spike kills at an outstanding 56% success rate. Adding two kill blocks, he finished as the top scorer with a total of 20 points. Captain and outside hitter Sam Deroo also had a stellar performance, boasting a 52% offensive success rate and contributing four crucial kill blocks, tallying 19 points overall.
Player Reactions
“This win was incredibly important! We are among the top eight in the world, which speaks volumes. I believe the team performed exceptionally well, particularly in the third set. We must acknowledge Finland’s effort; they tried everything to disrupt our rhythm and managed to equalize at 10-10, but we maintained composure and secured the win,” commented Captain Sam Deroo after the game. “It’s natural to feel nervous. We have many new players, so if even I, as a veteran, get nervous before such matches, the younger players are undoubtedly more so. We were playing for a spot in the world’s top eight, which isn’t an everyday occurrence. Now, we face Italy again with nothing to lose, so let’s go! Confirming a previous upset is always challenging. In sports, one upset is great, but two against the same team isn’t easy. Still, we will give it our all, that’s for sure!”
On the other side, Finland showcased superior serving, achieving four aces compared to Belgium`s zero. Opposite Joonas Mikael Jokela was Finland`s standout player, hitting 13 kills at a 57% success rate and contributing one ace, totaling 14 points—the only Finnish player to reach double digits.
“Naturally, the immediate feeling is disappointment, as we had a fantastic tournament and wished to continue. However, Belgium was very strong today. It was a tough day, but I am proud of these guys. They have an amazing future ahead; they are very young and still have much to learn… So, yes, I am proud,” shared Finland’s experienced setter Eemi Tervaportti.
Upcoming Matches
The eighth-final round in Pasay City will continue on Monday. An all-European battle between Bulgaria and Portugal is scheduled for 15:30 local time (07:30 UTC), followed by a highly anticipated clash between USA and Slovenia at 20:00 local time (12:20 UTC).
Oliver Wrenwick