Belgium completed a clean sweep against Serbia in the CEV European Volleyball Championship on Wednesday, running out 3-0 winners in Belgrade. The result keeps Belgium top of the table with four wins from four, while Serbia drop further behind on seven points from five matches. By then the gap between the two sides had widened considerably, and the visiting side showed no signs of letting up.
Belgium had already put the prediction to the test — we were calling for a visitors' win at 59 per cent confidence, and the scoreline confirmed that assessment. They turned it on from the opening set, refusing to let Serbia settle into any rhythm. And here's the thing, it wasn't a close affair in any set; the hosts looked outclassed rather than outplayed.
What stands out is Belgium's consistency. They've beaten Denmark 3-1, Estonia 3-1, Finland 3-2 and now Serbia 3-0. To be fair, they lost to the Netherlands earlier but have responded immediately each time. Their defence has been tight, and their attack has found a way through when it matters.
Serbia's form has been patchy at best. They came through narrow victories over Denmark and the Netherlands, but the 0-3 defeat to Finland and this result suggest they're running out of legs. They had one mistake end it against Belgium, and then another. The away end never stopped pressing, and Serbia couldn't find an answer.
The table tells the story clearly now. Belgium lead on twelve points from four games, with Serbia in third on seven. That five-point gap could prove decisive as the tournament progresses. Belgium have one foot in the next round already, while Serbia will need to regroup quickly.
