Belgium W vs Azerbaijan W

Trailing 10-16 in the third set, Belgium looked headed for a fourth set. But a tactical shift — faster sets to the middle and sharper serving from Tea Radovic — disrupted Azerbaijan's rhythm. Belgium won 11 of the next 14 points, flipping a six-point deficit into a 21-20 lead they never relinquished. Azerbaijan managed only three more points after that run.

Britt Herbots (Belgium) — 22 points (19 kills from 47 attacks at 40%, 2 blocks, 1 ace) was the dominant force on the floor. She also handled 22 reception attempts at 68% positive, underlining her all-round value. Player of the match.

Tea Radovic (Belgium) — 8 points including 2 aces from 19 serves, and 6 kills from 20 attack attempts (30%). Her serving run in the third set was pivotal in Belgium's comeback.

Anna Koulberg (Belgium) — 3 points but crucially 2 blocks, providing a steady presence at the net when Belgium needed stops in the third set.

Yelizaveta Ruban (Azerbaijan) — had been Azerbaijan's leading scorer in earlier group matches (25 vs Portugal, 20 vs Spain), but Belgian block discipline limited her impact in this fixture.

Belgium's 75-64 total point advantage reflects three tight sets rather than a mismatch. The set scores — 25-19, 25-22, 25-23 — show each set was competitive, particularly the third where Azerbaijan held a six-point lead at 16-10 before Belgium's fightback. The 86-minute match duration (27'+29'+30') indicates extended rallies and sustained pressure from both sides.

Belgium's decisive edge came from a superior attack conversion rate, with Herbots alone carrying a heavy scoring load on 47 spike attempts. The reception stats — Herbots at 68% positive, Radovic at 56% — highlight Belgium's ability to side-out under pressure, particularly when the match was on the line in the third set.

Belgium remain second in Pool C on set ratio behind the Netherlands (both 3-0, 8 points), with both teams already qualified for the final round. Azerbaijan, also on 8 points from 3 wins, sit third in the group. Belgium face the Netherlands on 27 August in what could decide top spot in the pool, while Azerbaijan meet Portugal the same day.

Belgium's ability to win ugly — particularly recovering from a six-point third-set deficit against a hostile home crowd — suggests genuine tournament depth. Herbots is playing at an elite level, and the supporting cast stepped up when needed. Azerbaijan will regret the third-set collapse but remain in strong position to progress to the knockout stages.