The Yellow Tigers have manipulated the match that had to be won in the second group stage of the World Cup. Thanks to a strong Britt Herbots, Argentina was unable to steal a set from the Belgians: 3-0.
Belgium-Argentina in a nutshell
- Outstanding: We are repeating ourselves, but Britt Herbots always makes the difference for the Yellow Tigers. With her explosiveness she can save Belgium from predicaments.
- key moment: In set 2 it seems to be the same scenario as against Japan with 9 Argentine points in a row. It is no coincidence that Herbots and Marlies Janssens break through the series and get the Belgians back on track.
- Next match: Saturday at 5 pm, the Yellow Tigers look Brazil in the eye. With a stunt the quarterfinals come close.
Occasionally untenable Britt Herbots does it for Belgium
Argentina was the only “viable” opponent of the Yellow Tigers in the second group stage and so the pressure was on the Belgians. But after a difficult start, the Belgian engine was running at full throttle in the first set.
Britt Herbots was unstoppable and hammered one attack after another against the floor. But after that first set (26-15) won, things didn’t go as smoothly for the Yellow Tigers.
The Belgians seemed launched, but the Argentine defense became stiffer. Just in time, a large Argentine gap was closed and thanks to winning serves from Lemmens and Van Avermaet, set 2 was also dragged out: 25-23.
We got the same story in the third set. The Belgian mistakes were punished and in the attack the Yellow Tigers remained too dependent on another excellent Herbots. But on character 2 match balls were forced and it was surprising Janssens who was allowed to finish it.
The reward for the Yellow Tigers will follow on Thursday. “I say it here for the first time,” says national coach Gert Vande Broek. “They get a day of complete rest with brunch in Rotterdam, so that the players are in the World Cup atmosphere for a while.” Thanks to the victory, the Belgians can still dream of the quarter-finals, but then there must still be 1 stunt against Brazil and/or China.
Jodie Guilliams: “There was a lot of pressure today”
Jodie Guilliams came on as the Yellow Tigers struggled in the second set and helped turn the tide. “I know what my role is and I try to give a lot of energy when I can come in. I succeeded today.”
“We knew beforehand that it would be difficult. Our only assignment was to win and we did what we had to do. We can be proud of ourselves, because there was a lot of pressure today to win.”
After two days of rest, top players will be waiting against Brazil and China. “The fatigue is starting to play a part. But last week we showed that we are not easy to beat. We have nothing to lose and can play freely.”
Marlies Janssens: “We didn’t get it as a gift”
After Britt Herbots, Marlies Janssens was the best Belgian offensively with 10 points. “I try to do my part and do something serving and blocking. The rest will follow.”
She surprisingly got the “honor” of finishing the match. “I didn’t expect it myself,” laughed the middle player. “Most match balls go to Britt, it was nice to come out surprisingly.”
“We didn’t get it today and we really had to fight as a team. This victory gives a great feeling, so who knows what is possible against Brazil and Japan?”
