Greece – Belgium
It took 70 minutes for the Belgian national men’s team to disappoint the 1500 spectators on the stands in Orestiada by shutting out the home team of Greece. Sam Deroo was the best scorer of the match with 14 points for the winning squad, while his teammate Bram Van Den Dries and Greeks Mitar Tzourits and Georgios Petreas scored 13 points each.
The Greeks made too many mistakes and after they lost the first set, they collapsed. The key to the victory in the match, regardless of the errors, was the good blocking that gave the Belgians 12 points. On the other hand, Mitar Tzourits, typically a middle-blocker, who played as opposite for Greece, did not manage to attack well, and only Georgios Petreas could upset the guests.
Alekos Leonis, head coach of Greece: “The opponents made only six errors while we did many more. We were unlucky with Konstantinos Christofidelis who had problem with his shoulder at the start of the game. If we want to go to the finals, we should correct many things.”
Frank Depestele, setter of Belgium: “Our victory was not as easy as it seems. We did not start the game well and I can say that in the beginning it was Greece that put greater pressure. But then the Greek group seemed to get nervous and this has resulted in the many mistakes in their performance. We did our job on the field as best as we could and created problems for the Greek reception. Nothing is finished; the rematch will be more difficult because now we know better both teams and Belgium will be under more pressure in front of its own audience.”
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