Belgium cruise past Serbia to secure at least second place in Pool C

If you wish to publish an Italian translation of this article, any of our other articles, or ANY PART OF THEM, please cite the original source. PLAGIARISM IS ILLEGAL!

Belgium produced a commanding performance on the final day of Pool C in Tampere, defeating Serbia 3–0 (25:19, 25:21, 25:16) to secure at least second place in the standings.
With their main objective achieved, the Red Dragons can now turn their attention to the remaining match between Finland and Estonia, as well as the final developments in Pool A, which will determine their next opponent in the knockout stage.

Serbia initially looked the more composed side, taking an early lead in the opening set at 7–5 and 10–8. Belgium gradually found their rhythm, however, drawing level at 12–12 and again at 17–17. From that moment, captain Sam Deroo and opposite Ferre Reggers took control of the attack. Belgium created a decisive three-point advantage and closed the set 25–19.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with both teams trading points in a closely contested battle. Service errors became a recurring issue, with Belgium committing seven and Serbia three, as both sides attempted to apply pressure from the service line. At 18–18, Belgium once again found the breakthrough. Deroo stepped forward with a series of powerful attacks, helping his team move ahead and establish the advantage they needed to secure at least second place in the pool.

Belgium carried that momentum into the third set. Sam Deroo and Ferre Reggers continued to lead the offensive effort, finishing with 14 and 16 points respectively, while Serbia head coach
Gheorghe Crețu opted to rotate his starting lineup, allowing several key players to rest ahead of the knockout stage in Turin. The Red Dragons remained firmly in control and completed the victory with a convincing 25–16.

Belgium can now watch the final match of Pool C with confidence, knowing that their place among the top two teams is secured.

“We knew we had to do our best to get, as of now, the second spot in the pool. Now we have to wait for the other match and also for the Italian pool to understand who is going to be our next opponent,” said captain Sam Deroo.

__________________

🏐| CEV Enel EuroVolley 2026 | Thursday, September 17, 2026

POOL A📍PalaPanini Modena
• 16.00 (Local Time) | Slovakia – Greece
• 21.05 (Local Time) | Italy – Slovenia

🏐| POOL A FINAL STANDINGS
1. Italy 12
2. Slovenia 9
3. Czech Republic 8
4. Greece 6
5. Sweden 4
6. Slovakia 0

POOL C📍Nokia Arena Tampere
👉🏼 17.00 (Local Time) | Serbia – Belgium 0-3 (19:25, 21:25, 16:25)
• 20.00 (Local Time) | Finland – Estonia

🏐| POOL C STANDINGS
1. Belgium 13
2. Finland 10
3. Serbia 7
4. Denmark 7
5. Estonia 3
6. Netherlands 2

__________________

NEXT GAMES: Round of 16

Saturday September 19, 2026
📍Arena 8888 Sofia
16.00 (Local Time) | Poland – Latvia
19.00 (Local Time) | Germany – Bulgaria

Sunday September 20, 2026
📍Arena 8888 Sofia
16.00 (Local Time) | Ukraine – Romania
19.00 (Local Time) | France – Portugal

__________________

👀|QUICK LINKS
• EuroVolley 2026 – Calendar
• EuroVolley 2026 – All News
• All International news 🗞️
• Multimedia
• Facebook
• Instagram

__________________