Volleyball: Finland secured the 2028 EC place

Finland took the place in the semifinals of the European League and at the same time ensured its entry to the fall 2028 EC tournament. This carrot was offered to the top four teams.

Olli Kunnarin the group piloted by will be seen at the EC climax this fall as well – then with the status of the host country. Finland’s first group will be played in September at the Nokia Arena.

In the semi-finals of the European League, Finland will face Denmark, the color spot of the early summer. The first leg will be played in Odense on June 28. and the latter in Nokia’s ball arena on July 1.

In the second semi-final, the Netherlands and Israel face each other.

The stakes will increase even more in the climax of the European League, because in addition to the championship, there is a place in next summer’s VNL. All the best national teams in the world play there.

The shared place is decided on the basis of ranking points – now in practice between Finland and the Netherlands. The winner of the European League will most likely also celebrate a place in the VNL.

A ruthless format was built for this summer in the European League. All 27 countries played six matches in the group stage – and each result was recorded in the same league table. There was no room for slips of any kind.

Getting to the semifinals required winning all group games.

Finnish lost only two sets in their six group games – one to Austria and one to Montenegro.

The corner of the national team, which is on a strong rise, was measured three times in the group stage. The first two tests came the previous weekend in front of the home crowd.

Albania was tormented first, but Finland took the opening set 34–32. Croatia came after, but the home team survived the pressure of the second set with a score of 32–30. After this, Finland took the driver’s place in both games.

The finest example of work came on Midsummer’s Saturday in Kópavogur after Slovakia won the second round. Finland got upset about this in front of the eyes and took care of the rest with the host’s hands.

Sunday The Iceland game was exactly the kind of formality expected for Finland. So Kunnar could afford to throw guys who played less on the field. Niko Suihkonen and made it to the national team Viktor Viljamaa performed most favorably.