Host India made more history Thursday night by topping Belgium 18-25, 25-19, 25-16, 22-25, 15-11 to earn its semifinal spot.
Playing in just its first top level second round classification in its five appearances in the Men’s Junior World Championship, India continues to be the surprise team. With the victory, India advanced to the tournament’s semifinals as Pool E’s second seed. Saturday’s semifinals matches are Pool F winner Brazil facing India and Pool E winner Argentina taking on Cuba.
Singh Gurinder scored a match-high 26 points for India with 22 spikes on 38 attempts. Mandurai Naveen Raja contributed 20 points, while Mandeep Singh charted 10 points in the victory. Belgium was led by Kevin Klinkenberg’s 21 points, while Pieter Verhees and Sam Deroo chalked up 18 and 16 points, respectively.
Belgium won nearly every statistical category with slim margins of 60-59 in spikes, 14-11 in blocks and even at 3-all in aces. However, India took advantage of 32 Belgium errors and made only 19 of its own to make up the difference.
Belgium Head Coach Steven VanMedegael: Belgium Captain Matthias Valkiers: “I am disappointed now, but I want to congratulate India on a great match and tournament. We had a good first set. By the third set, India started playing very well.” India Head Coach M.H. Kumara: India Captain Mandeep Singh:
“We served well, but we also made too many errors on our serve. India played well. It had all its combinations available and working, and we couldn’t stop them.”
“First, I want to thank Belgium for a fantastic game. Today we were casual and calm. I want to congratulate my team members for a fantastic play. Also, our spectators were fantastic tonight.”
“Coach has been in constant contact with us during the tournament, and that has been a big moral boost for the team.”
