Estonia stun hosts Finland 3-2 at 2026 European Men's Volleyball Championship

The match concluded with the final whistle at Nokia Arena in Tampere on Thursday. Estonia secured a thrilling 3-2 victory (22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 20-25, 15-11) over hosts Finland, denying the Finns a share of the Pool C crown at the 2026 European Men's Volleyball Championship. The five-set thriller in front of 9,813 fans became one of the most dramatic performances of the group stage at the 24-team tournament. This victory held special significance as Estonia had recorded their first tournament win just days earlier, defeating the Netherlands 3-1 (27-25, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23). In that match, two consecutive aces by Timo Andre Lohmus at 22-22 in the fourth set proved decisive. The upset against Finland further cemented that Estonia did not come to Tampere to participate — they came to compete. The Pool C context before the match showed fierce competition. Belgium had clinched top spot earlier that same day by sweeping Serbia 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-16), accumulating 13 points. This meant the Estonia-Finland match was not only a direct contest for group leadership but also an opportunity for one team to assert their position ahead of the knockout stage. Finland opened the match with multi-directional attacking play from the Marttila brothers and Joonas Jokela. They consistently found gaps in Estonia's defense, effectively exploiting dead-ball situations and maintaining a high attacking tempo. The first set ended 25-22 for Finland — a crucial mental advantage over opponents needing points to improve their standings. Estonia did not lose composure. The second set witnessed a fierce comeback, with opposite Timo Andre Lohmus opening the set with crucial points, building a 16-11 lead before closing it 25-21. This set victory not only leveled the score but also disrupted Finland's rhythm while providing enormous momentum for the Estonian players. Entering the third set, Estonia carried the momentum from the second. Finland, led by Luka Marttila — who delivered three consecutive aces to level at 19-19 — remained highly competitive. However, Lohmus shone once again with a decisive block to give Estonia a 22-20 lead. The visitors held their advantage and closed the third set at 25-22, taking a 2-1 match lead. But volleyball never lacks miracles of human willpower. Finland entered the fourth set with heightened determination. Substitute Niko Suihkonen, brought on for Nooa Marttila, scored seven crucial points in this set. Head coach Olli Kunnari's substitution proved effective — Finland played more openly and flexibly, forcing a fifth set with a 25-20 victory. The Nokia Arena erupted, believing in a perfect comeback. The tie-break became a test of willpower. Both teams fought intensely in the opening exchanges, with the score tight and neither willing to yield. Estonia ultimately prevailed 15-11, completing the biggest upset of the group stage in Pool C. Individually, Timo Andre Lohmus was recognized as the match's standout performer with 24 points, including decisive attacks at crucial moments. Teppan added 16 points, forming a reliable attacking duo for Estonia. For Finland, Joonas Jokela played his 100th cap for the national team in this match — a significant milestone amid a painful defeat. In the post-match press conference, Lohmus shared simply but emotionally: Estonia came to Tampere with a burning desire to win in front of the home crowd and gave everything they had. He expressed pride in his teammates. Meanwhile, Finland captain Antti Ronkainen acknowledged Estonia played well and showed strong will in the decisive set, adding that Finland now turns attention to their next opponent in the round of 16. This result pushed Finland to second place in Pool C with 11 points, while Estonia accumulated five crucial points. The final Pool C standings showed Belgium leading with 13 points, followed by Finland (11), Serbia (7), Denmark (7), Estonia (5) and the Netherlands (2). An interesting detail: before the match, Olivia Kunnari — niece of Finland head coach Olli Kunnari — delivered an emotional national anthem performance, setting a special atmosphere for the encounter. The round of 16 begins Saturday in Sofia and Turin. In Turin, Finland faces Greece and Belgium meets Czechia on September 20 and 21. In Sofia, Poland plays Latvia and Germany faces Bulgaria on September 19, followed by Ukraine-Romania and France-Portugal on September 20. Slovenia meets Serbia in Turin on September 21, alongside Italy facing Denmark. Semifinals and medal matches will be held in Milan. Estonia left Tampere with two consecutive meaningful victories. From their first tournament win against the Netherlands to denying hosts Finland top spot in the group, this team is showing remarkable growth. Meanwhile, Finland, despite the loss, holds a solid position in the round of 16 and carries lessons about the ruthlessness of continental-level volleyball — where any team can pull off an upset, as long as they believe in their legs.