The Yellow Tigers earned a valuable point in their second Volleyball Nations League match after pushing world number four Poland to five sets. Belgium produced a high-level performance and forced a deciding tie-break before eventually falling 3-2 (25-20, 22-25, 25-23, 18-25, 15-13).

Following their narrow defeat against China earlier this week, the Tigers once again showed clear progress. Strong blocking, aggressive serving and an outstanding Britt Herbots made life difficult for one of the world's top teams.

Poland made the stronger start and quickly moved ahead 4-0. Britt Herbots scored Belgium's first point before Pauline Martin erased the deficit with back-to-back aces.

Belgium responded well throughout the match. The Tigers claimed the second set thanks to strong defensive work and improved control over Polish opposite Julia Szczurowska. The introduction of Charlotte Krenicky also added more variety and speed to the Belgian offence.

The third set was decided by the smallest of margins before Poland edged ahead in the closing stages. Belgium answered impressively in set four, dominating at the net and in defence to force a deciding fifth set.

In the tie-break, the Tigers fought until the very end and even saved two match points. Despite their efforts, Poland eventually secured the win 15-13.

Even in defeat, Belgium can take plenty of positives from a performance that saw them push one of the world's best teams to the limit.

Played for Belgium: Herbots (31), Martin (22), Lemmens (12), Demeyer (5), Koulberg (3), Van Sas (1), Rampelberg.

Substitutes used: Krenicky (4), Fransen (3), Verhelst (2), Bertels (1), Nagels, Deleu and Debouck.