Lausanne, Switzerland, July 14, 2017 - After scoring their first win of the season Friday over the Dominican Republic and ending a five-match losing streak, Russia host Belgium Saturday in Kaliningrad. Thus is the fourth time the two sides come head-to-head in the history of the FIVB World Grand Prix, with the reigning European champions leading the series 2-1.
Head-to-Head• This is the fourth World Grand Prix meeting between these nations. Russia have won twice and Belgium once. All matches have ended in 3-0.
• The most recent World Grand Prix meeting was in Kaliningrad last year (won 3-0 by Russia).
• Russia have lost their last three World Grand Prix matches against CEV teams, all by 3-2, which they were leading 2-1 in sets in all three matches.
Russia• After losing five straight World Grand Prix matches, including the last four in five sets, the Russians booked a 3-1 victory against Dominican Republic on Friday.
• Their five-match losing streak was their longest ever in the competition.
• Four Russian players reached double figures against Dominican Republic, of which Irina Fetisova tallied the most (18).
Belgium• Belgium are still looking for the first victory in this season’s World Grand Prix. Going back to last season, their losing streak is now six matches.
• Belgium are in danger of equalling their longest run of defeats in the World Grand Prix – seven in 2015.
• In their debut season 2014, Belgium won eight of their first 11 World Grand Prix matches. Of 27 matches in the tournament since, they won only three.
• Kaja Grobelna was the only Belgian player reaching double figures in scoring against Netherlands on Friday. She recorded 13 points, including nine spikes and four kill blocks.