Hero – Lise Van Hecke
It started well for Serbia. Rhythm was dictated by Terzic’s girls and lead was there too. After 14-10 and 18-12 it was clear that Serbia will get their hands on the starting lead. After Belgium fought back for a moment, it was over with the score 23-25.
Momentum was in favor of Serbia and it translated to second period. Big lead was created as Brakocevic excelled in attack and 10-4 for Serbia looked like there is going to be a blowout. But then youth and spirit of a young Belgium team took over the game, 14-2 run gave them 22-16 lead and after that an easy 25-21.
Agony for the Serbs continued in third set. Ending was particularly hard for Terzic’s team because of the way it ended. It was full of lead changes, ties and thrills and it lasted for a straight half an hour! Belgium threatened many times, Serbia saved a total of three set points, but not the fourth one. Brakocevic attack went wrong and Belgium got the lead 28-26.
Then the heart of a champion that Serbia has for sure, got them together. Defence after defence they were hanging in and slowly overtaking feisty Belgian girls. They didn’t think about fifth set and gave everything they had in them to even things up. After a great display of power Serbia won 21-25 and got themselves a chance to get a bronze medal in that critical tie-break.
There was still an obstacle to get trough and her name was Lise Van Hecke. She was absolutely magnificent with her grand total of 35 points, she led her inspired teammates to a historic victory. Belgium have led the whole tie-break they were diving, running and giving even more they had in them to get this medal and it was enough. After 132 minutes it was official – Belgium it the third best team in Europe!
Belgium vs Serbia 3-2 (23-25, 25-21, 28-26, 21-25, 15-11)
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For more news from this competition, click on European Championship 2013 W.
