Finland's Matti Oivanen at the net against Belgium blockers Pieter Verhees and Gert Van Walle
Tampere, Finland, May 23, 2015 – Finland and Belgium started their FIVB World League campaign fighting all five sets in Tampere. Host Finland finally lost the match 2-3 (20-25, 28-30, 25-20, 25-23, 7-15).
Finland coach Tuomas Sammelvuo: “It was a very good thing that we could come back after losing first two sets. It was a tough match and good fighting all the way to the end. It is a pity of course that we lost. In the fifth set we made too many straight mistakes. Belgium also blocked well our attacks.”
Finland captain Antti Siltala: ”This match was ups and downs for both teams, which is quite usual when we start the World League. It will be better later. I believe we can make it better already tomorrow. There was big difference in defence. Belgium was very good in attacking.”
Belgium coach Dominique Baeyens: ”We started quite well and we took great blocks and defence was also good. After two sets Finland put more pressure on us with strong serves. Finnish spikers Siltala and Sivula started also attacking better. In the tie-break we made the difference in one rotation”.
Belgium captain Sam Deroo: ”We started with very good energy and we had a lot of enthusiasm in our play, which is very important. In the tie-break we could fight back after two good sets from Finland.”