Rome, Italy June 26, 2016 - Belgium defeated Australia in straight sets
(25-21, 25-22, 25-17) to claim their first three-points victory of the weekend in the FIVB Volleyball World League with Francois Lecat scoring 24 match-high points.
Australian best scorer were Richards and Carroll with 10 points each. Belgium scored 7 aces and 9 blocks; Australia 1 ace and 6 blocks.
The match had no story from the beginning as Belgium were more focused during the crucial moments. After the great opening match against USA and the defeat against Italy, Belgium claimed their first victory in straight sets of the weekend. Australia still have to win their first match in the World League.
The first set saw a great performance frim Belgium's Francois Lecat who scored 9 points. The Australian receiving section went under pressure and couldn't build their game. The set was point-by-point dispute and in the final part Belgium kept their nerves calm to take it 25-21.
The second set witnessed a higher level, with long and spectacular digs by both teams. The result was always on the line, and the two coaches called all the time-out at their disposal underlining the importance of the set. Australia lost their focus towards the end of the set with many direct mistakes that made it easier for Belgium to finish off 25-22.
The last set saw Belgium taking the lead from the very beginning and managing to incerase the gap through the set. Australian coach Roberto Santilli substituted three players but the situation didin’t change.