The Czech Republic roared to a clear victory on its home field.
Block tip The Czech Republic was a rude home team for Finnish women’s volleyball in the EC qualifiers. The Czech Republic won the set of the match played in Tabor 3–0 (25–19, 25–18, 25–21).
With at least two set wins, Finland would have secured a place in the EC finals, but it turned out differently. However, Finland still has a chance to grab a place in the EC, as at least two set wins from the home match against Montenegro will take Finland to the final tournament.
Finland ends its qualifying campaign on Saturday in Joensuu against Montenegro. The two best of the group advance to the final tournament to be played next year. The Czech Republic had already secured its place at the European Championship earlier.
“The pass was not quite as good as in the qualifiers so far. The reception in the Czech Republic was a bit too good”, about the Finnish players Jessica Kosonen said Yle in a TV interview.
The home team, Iceland, will face Montenegro later today in a match that ends today. If Montenegro wins the match, Finland needs at least two set wins in its final match. Iceland has not won a single set in their four games in the current qualifiers.
In the Czech game Suvi Kokkonen (13/+10) was Finland’s power woman. Chopper Maid Korhonen (8/+3) played the 100th international match of his career. The power player of the home team was Michaela Mlejnkova (17/+10).
Finland received a lot of encouragement in the match, because in addition to volleyball fans, Finnish supporters from the ongoing men’s European basketball championships had also arrived.
“It was amazing to play. This is the best when you heard a lot of noise from your own supporters and those of the opponent,” said Kosonen.
The home team’s attack percentage was an excellent 55, while Finland’s was 41. Finland took the save points 10–9, and the aces went even 3–3.
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