The Netherlands and Slovakia booked their spots in the volleyball European League 2008 semifinals as they dominated the fourth leg of Pool A in Rotterdam on Sunday and finished the top two.
Greece, Britain and Portugal have no chance to strike back as their handicap is too heavy before next weekend's last round in Povoa de Varzim, Portugal.
The Netherlands booked their spot in the semifinals by winning their ninth match in a row, overpowering Portugal 3-1.
Leading 2-1 after three sets, head coach Peter Blang continued to underline their qualities through the middle in set four.
Portugal, however, had the lead for the longest period in the set, but the Netherlands squared the game to 18-18 by a killing block of Bart-Jan van der Mark before Van Dijk hit an ace to seal the victory 21-19.
"I am satisfied to see my guys staying calm and cool-headed even when it doesnot go well," stated Blang after the match. "The selection I'll take to Portugal next week will be the same as the team I'll take to the Final Four in Turkey."
In Saturday's Pool A top duel between the Netherlands and Slovakia, the Dutch team kept the upper hand 3-2 after a thrilling five setter (15-11), before Slovakia's straight-set victory over Britain on Sunday.
With an 8-4 record after twelve matches in Pool A, Slovakia secured their ticket in the last four after finishing second following the Dutch team and tipping Greece in the third.
(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2008)