Greece suffered their first defeat in straight sets in a Group D game, falling in the hands ofNetherlands, the runners-up of the European and the World Championships.

With qualification secured for both teamsbut motivated by the first place in the group, the Netherlands started better and took an 8:0 lead, with Greece pushedhard to cut the difference, but without success.

In the second set, the two rivalswere close, but the Greeks never managed to take the lead. A 10:0 Netherlands run converted 8:8 into 18:8 and Netherlands easily won the second set as well.

The sets: 25:15, 20:9

Netherlands: Meerstad, Heuten, 19, Jongejan 2, Blom 8, Van Den Hoek, Marsman 8, Stege 8, Luis, De Jager, Bolhaar.

Greece: Papakosta, Spirollari 2, Patsani 4, Mandamadioti, Koukmisi 6, Malle 6, Kourti, Mylona, Kaprinioti, Souska 2.

Referees: Al Hail, Alyafei. Suspension: 1-0

Quotes

EfthaliaSpirollari (Greece - Player)

"We tried very hard, I knew that physically our opponents were better. We made our best but we did not succeed, these things happen and now we are looking at the next game".

LvaBlom (Netherlands – Player)

"The first set was difficult for us, but in the second we tightenedour defence, we were better and we got the victory fairly. It's a very nice competition".