Belgium
The first set was even through the first technical time-out, after which Belgium established its control on the court to break the equilibrium. The reception was working well for setter Sander Depovere to spread out nicely the Belgian attacks that produced the necessary points for winning by 25-19.
Finland stormed off to a 5-0 and 8-1 lead at the start of the second set. As both teams tried to increase the pressure with their serves, the team of Pertti Honkanen greatly reduced the number of unforced errors and was able to widen the gap to as many as 10 points at 19-9. Belgium fought back as Arno Van De Velde served 6 times in a row to narrow it down to 2 points at 19-21. However, the Finns stayed on their toes to claim the set by 25-20.
Belgium scored 4 in a row for 12-9 to take a 3-point lead in the third set and then maintain it through 22-19. It seemed to be well on its way to winning the set, but not according to the Finns. With Antti Ropponen behind the serving line, the almost error-free team of Pertti Honkanen showed an excellent blocking performance, mainly through its captain Sakari Makinen, to score an unbelievable 6 points in a row and finish it off beautifully with an ace for 25-22.
It was time for the Belgians to show off their blocking skills as their team established its domination in the fourth set. They piled up a large enough 10-point advantage at 23-13 to keep them safe through the rest of the set as the Finns fought back to narrow their lag to the final 25-19.
A 6-0 lead for Belgium at the start of the tie-breaker already presented a clue as to who the bronze medal winner would be. But once again, the Finns showed no intention to surrender. Gradually they were able to return into the set and reduce the gap to only a point at 8-9 and 9-10. But then the Belgian block put a stop to it all as it brought the team to match point. A mistake by Finland for the final 10-15 sent Steven Vanmedegael’s team celebrating.
Steven Vanmedegael, head coach of Belgium: “We are very happy. This is great. This was our dream to win a medal. We are satisfied with the organization here. Everything is good.“
Pertti Honkanen, head coach of Finland: “Belgium and our team know each other very well. Our team was a little nervous today and the Belgians were stronger. We had good moments at the beginning, but then we lost 8 points in a row and at the end we lost the match.“
Sander Depovere, captain of the Belgium: “The two teams that came before us, Russia and Poland, we have to admit, are a little stronger than us. The bronze medal is the best thing that could happen to us at this point. We played very well during the whole tournament. This last match was very difficult. The Finns were very tough opponents, but in the end we still managed to win and we are very happy.”
Sakari Makinen, captain of Finland: “The match was very hard, and we played well even though we did not win. We congratulate the Belgian team – they were good opponents.”
Finland vs. Belgium 2:3 (19-25, 25-20, 25-22, 19-25, 10-15)
To read more news from this competition click on Youth European Championship 2013 M.
Find the full game statiscitcs from this Championship on Statistic.
