Tommi Siirila and top scorer Olli-Pekka Ojansivu block as Finland pile on the pressure against Portugal
Povoa de Varzim, Portugal, July 4, 2015 - It all ended the wrong way round, as far as the home crowd were concerned, as Finland edged a thrilling match to beat Portugal 3-2 (25-17, 22-25, 25-17, 24-26, 15-13) in the World League.
Olli-Pekka Ojansivu scored 27 points, including 20 spikes, and was ably assisted by universal Urpo Sivula (22) as the Finns showed the courage and tenacity to outlast their rivals in a see-saw match.
Twice Portugal fell a set behind, twice they fought back to level, with top scorer Alexandre Ferreira leading the way for the home side.
In a tense and exciting fifth, Portugal saved a match point through Joao, before Sivula's attacking move was blocked by Portugal, with the ball flying out of bounds to settle the set - and the match.