Dutch confirm why they are considered one of the favourites to go to Rio

Besides a blip in the second set, The Netherlands could not have been more impressive in beating Kazakhstan 3-1 (25-12, 21-25, 25-14, 25-8) in their opening match of the 2016 Olympic volleyball qualifiers in Tokyo.

Many believe the Netherlands is one of the favourites to progress to Rio this week, and their form in the opening set certainly justified that confidence. Led by an all-conquering Lonneke Sloetjes, they blew Kazakhstan off the court early.

A run of late points made the score look more respectable, but the Dutch were not to be denied, taking the opening set 25-12.

The second set could not have been more different. Despite being the outsider according to current world rankings, Kazakhstan is determined to get to a second Olympics, and came out after the break firing.

They quickly …

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