Belgium claim first win as Poland stun Serbia

Baku, June 19, AZERTAC Belgium beat Italy 3-2 in a five-set thriller as they finally claimed their first win of Baku 2015, while Poland came from behind to beat Pool A leaders Serbia at Crystal Hall 1 on Thursday. Belgium and Italy traded points in a closely contested first set, before the Belgians eventually claimed a 26-24 win, but Italy excelled in the second and ran out 25-16 winners. Belgium responded strongly to claim the third set 25-19. Italy hit back once more to take the fourth set 25-12, but the Red Dragons of Belgium held their nerve to take the deciding fifth set by a score of 15-13. The evening’s Pool A game was another gripping five-set affair, with Poland coming back from 2-0 down to defeat Serbia 3-2. Cheered on by a small but noisy support, Serbia won the first set easily 25-13, before claiming the second 25-21. They took their foot off the gas too early, though, and Poland hit back to win the third set 25-15 and then edged a closely fought fourth set 25-23. Poland's momentum swept them through the deciding set with relative ease, as they closed out the match 15-9 to move top of the pool. Serbia will next play Finland, while Poland face Azerbaijan on Saturday 20 June.