NIMIR Abdel-Aziz, one of the best opposite hitters in the European club circuit, made his presence felt on Wednesday in Week 3 of the Volleyball Nations League at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The 31-year-old Abdel-Aziz provided leadership for the Netherlands as they prevailed over Canada, 25-22, 25-22, 17-25, 25-18, in Day 2 of the weeklong spikefest.
The win kept the Dutch squad’s hopes alive in their effort to reach the Grand Finals.
A 12-year veteran of professional tournaments in the European circuit, Abdel-Aziz knocked in 24 points in their 97-minute clash with the Canadians.
“The competition was good. We slowed down a bit (in the third set). They went up in level (Canada). In the fourth set, the points just went our way,” said Abdel Aziz.
The Dutch spikers held on to a 12-10 lead when the Canadians fell behind on four errors.
The miscues at the frontline allowed the Dutch side to move away, 15-10.
After Canada scored another point off Dutch player Twan Wiltenburg’s error, Abdel-Aziz stepped up with a smash off a blocking error by Nicholas Hoag, 16-11.
The Dutchmen then found their chance to move further ahead off Gijs Jorna’s block and Wessell Keemink’s ace, 18-11.
The Netherlands improved their win-loss record to 5-4 at eighth place. But they will need to win their next match against Brazil on Thursday to stay in contention for the grand finals.
The Dutchman are scrambling to remain in contention for the eighth and last seat in the Grand Finals with Serbia and France.