The Netherlands clobbered Canada, 25-22, 25-22, 17-25, 25-18, to keep its chances alive in the Pasay Leg of the Volleyball Nations League yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Team captain Abdel-Aziz Nimir was on fire at the attack zone, delivering 22 hits and two aces to finish with 24 points for the Dutch, who remain at the eighth spot with a 5-4 win-loss record.

A victory by the Dutch against the powerhouse Brazilians on Thursday will further improve their standing, giving them a handsome chance of advancing to the knockout stages in Poland starting 19 July.

Only the top eight in the 16-team field after the eliminations will gain a ticket to the next round.