Canada falls to Finland in last match of second Leg in Katowice – Volleyball news
The Spodek competition hall in Katowice, Poland hosted a volleyball scrimmage between Canada and Finland on Sunday.
A crowd of 9,850 people watched the thrilling encounter, which ended in Finland’s favour. Canada fought bravely but failed to overcome the rivals. Finland proved to be better and stamped 3-2 (25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-28, 15-8) win over Canada.
Nonetheless, Finland still remained in the fourth position even after winning the match. At the end of 2nd leg of 2012 FIVB World League, both Canada and Finland stood with 2-4 record. Canada, therefore, got hold of third slot due to better set and point
ratio.
The trio of Mikko Oivanen, Matti Hietanen, and Antti Siltala led Finland to victory. They added 33, 17, and 16 points, respectively. Oivanene also emerged as the top-scorer of the match.
Likewise, three Canadian players went into double-digit scores. Toontje Van Lankvelt registered team-high 19 points, while Gavin Schmitt and John Gordon 16 and 17 points, in the failing effort.
Opening set of the match featured balanced action from both sides. The two teams exchanged long rallies, while score soared up with incredibly close gaps. The Finnish made frequent attack attempts and tried to push the rivals behind. Their hard work finally
paid off as Finland closed the first set with two points at 25-23.
Success in the first frame boosted the morale of Finnish players. They played even better in the following set and extended their lead to 2-0 by edging out Canada (25-19).
It seemed as if Finland was going to finish the match in straight sets. However, the Canadian team put up huge resistance in the third set and showed quality in reception and defence. Finland dropped the third set (23-25), which forced them to play another
set. Furthermore, Canada created the dead-lock of 2-2 by winning fourth set.
The match entered the fifth decisive set. The excitement of fans was skyrocketing during the crucial final set. Finland gave a final shot and captured the fifth set with good margin (15-8). Canada made a good effort but still suffered the loss.
“I want to congratulate Finland on the victory. They played great in block and defense. We lost first two sets very easily. We had to make some changes and replacements and I am proud of the result. We fought for every point. We lost because of small problems,”
said the Canadian coach Glenn Hoag after the match.
The skipper of Canadian team Frederic Winters commented, “These two teams are on the same level, so the next two matches will probably be similar. We showed a really good fight after losing 0-2, it was a team effort. I think the match was good, very competitive
in general. Our reception was good, so I am happy.”
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