Eemi Tervaportti
“We are very anxiously waiting for the first matches against Portugal. Our training camp has shown that we are on the right track and all is going fine”, says setter Eemi Tervaportti, who was named as the best player of the season 2012-2013 in Finland.
The Finnish national team has a new coach, who is however very familiar with the team. Former captain Tuomas Sammelvuo is now responsible for the coaching of the team.
“Sammelvuo has already given a lot to the team and we have thoroughly analysed what we must do to improve our game”, says Tervaportti.
Young Tervaportti and experienced Mikko Esko form a good pair of setters for the Finnish team.
“We can advise and also take advise from the other setter. Four eyes see always better than two.”
Finland has very experienced national team, which has played together for several years. Only a couple of new players will get their chances to compete for the place in the playing dozen.
“That makes it easier for the setter when you know your team mates well. I wait for very good matches against Portugal and a successful World League for our team. I know that we will fight for the place in the World League Finals. There is no point aiming for something less than that,” says Tervaportti.
Portugal is also a strong team with a lot of experienced players like captain and center blocker Joao Jose, who has played over 200 matches in the national team.
At their last training camp prior to the World League, Portugal, coached by Flavio Gulinelli and Hugo Silva, played three friendly matches against Bulgaria, who finished fourth at the London Olympics 2012.
Portugal will take on Finland at the Helsinki Arena, on Friday and Saturday both at 15:30 (GMT).
Two other Pool C matches are scheduled this weekend between Canada and the Netherlands at the Colisée Pepsi in Quebec City on Friday and Saturday as well (23:00 GMT) and will then play Portugal on home ground at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga on June 7.
To read more news from this competition click on World League 2013 M.
