Turkey – Finland
Both teams started the duel very carefully, as the stakes were so high in this match. In the first set there were many ups and downs from both sides. Turkey was in front through the initial stage, but then briefly Finland took control before the second technical time-out (16-15). However, Turkey was more focused in the final phase of the set and went ahead 1:0 (25-22).
In the beginning of the second set Lauri Jylha of Finland went behind the serving line and lifted his team to an early 4-0 advantage. After Turkey’s time-out, the situation changed and the result was tied at 5-5. However, Finland went to the first technical time-out leading 8-6 and soon they had a six-point advantage (12-6). Turkey tried with a time-out once again, but this time it was too late to recover. Finland wrapped it up at 25-17 for 1:1 in sets.
The third set started with Finland as the better side going to the first technical break with an 8-6 lead. When the Finns went up 16-12 it looked like Turkey’s faith was sealed in this set. But, once again, the unpredictable Turkish team managed to get back into the match, and prompted a thrilling final stage of the set. Unfortunately, at 23-22 to Turkey, Mert Nevzat Günes sprained his ankle and had to leave the court. However, the Turkish boys did not surrender, and it ended up as the longest set in the history of the Youth Boys’ European Championships (35-33). Before that, the record was 34-32 and it happened on two occasions. First time, Russia won the second set against Belgium 34-32 in Vienna in 2007 (bronze medal match), and after that Turkey won the second set against Bulgaria with the same result in Ankara in 2011 (1st round of Pool II). The most interesting detail is that each and every one of these three records happened on the same date, April 16th!
After losing the epic third set, Finland was determined to fight back. They got off to an early 13-8 lead, and that proved to be enough to secure a calm finish and force the tie-breaker. In the fifth set Finland ran out of gas as Turkey stormed to a 15-5 victory.
Ali Kazim Hidayetoglu, head coach of Turkey: “This was a very difficult match for us. We played well, we fought for every ball, and we deserved this victory. Let`s hope we can reach the semi finals, which is our biggest wish.“
Pertti Honkanen, head coach of Finland: “We are not mentally ready yet. We play well in some moments, but overall this team has to gain more experience.”
Yigit Gülmezoglu, captain of Turkey: “This is our third 3:2 match in a row. We are very tired, and we were tired before this match, so now we have to recuperate as much as we can and try not to stay for so long on the court tomorrow.”
Sakari Mäkinen, captain of Finland: “It was very important for us to win that fourth set. It gave us some hope for the future, but nevertheless I think we could have won today.“
Turkey vs. Finland 3:2 (25:22, 17:25, 35:33, 18:25, 15:5)
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