Lausanne, Switzerland, July 3, 2017 - The Netherlands host the Dominican Republic Friday in Apeldoorn, as the Europeans seek to remain undefeated against the Caribbean side in the hostory of the FIVB World Grand Prix, having won all four of their previous encounters.
Head-to-Head• Netherlands won all their four previous matches against Dominican Republic at the World Grand Prix.
• In the 2009 Preliminary Round Netherlands claimed two straight set wins and in the 2010 Preliminary Round they won 3-2 and 3-0.
• Netherlands lost their last two matches against NORCECA opponents, being beaten twice by United States in last year's Preliminary Round and Final Round (pool stage).
• The last time Netherlands lost three matches in a row versus NORCECA teams was in 2005, all against Cuba.
Netherlands• Netherlands have won the World Grand Prix once, in 2007.
• Last year they finished third, their only other medal in the competition. In the five seasons before, they did either not compete (2011 & 2012) or finished 12th (2013), 13th (2015) or 14th (2014).
• In total this will be their 14th participation.
• Netherlands (248) are two sets shy of winning their 250th.
• Last year Netherlands lost their opening match of the World Grand Prix 3-1 to Russia, the team they later beat in the final for third place.
Dominican Republic• Dominican Republic have been ever present at the World Grand Prix since 2004.
• Their best result was an eight place finish in 2006 and 2010. Last year they finished 13th.
• In total this will be Dominican Republic's 14th appearance in the tournament.
• Last year Dominican Republic lost their opening match 3-2 to Bulgaria, but went on to win all of their following seven matches in Division B.