Cuiabá, Brazil, July 21, 2017 – In a breath-taking match USA overcame Belgium 3-1 (25-14, 16-25, 25-19, 26-24) as the struggling reception of North Americans was compensated by a good service and block.
USA coach Karch Kiraly: The match was important as I could make some experiences which will be crucial for the next games. We could also give some rest for some of our players.
USA captain Kelly Murphy: The game was hard to win and we had to fight a lot to achieve the victory. Belgium played well as all teams use to.
Belgium coach Gert Vande Broek: We played very hard and with an excellent spirit. I think that today we could have been given more. We were a bit out of luck in the end of the fourth set. We took a risk and we lost. I am proud of my team as they keep fighting. It is an extremely young team, but I am proud as we make progress.
Belgium captain Charlotte Leys: It is the first time we played against USA. We knew that it would not be easy. We also knew that they have a good service, and I am glad that we won a set over this great team. During the fourth set, we were eight points behind, and the supporters here were cheering us up and we almost came back. Anyway, I am happy for my team as we fight for every point.