Estonia end host Finland's winning streak with thrilling 5-set victory in EuroVolley 2026 Pool C

Estonia caused a major upset at the 2026 European Men's Volleyball Championship by defeating host Finland 3-2 in a thrilling match in Tampere, ending the hosts' hopes of sharing the top spot in Pool C. The final score was 3-2 (22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 20-25, 15-11) after five intense sets. The match took place at Nokia Arena with 9,813 spectators in attendance, demonstrating the strong appeal of volleyball in Finland. Prior to this match, Belgium had officially secured first place in Pool C a day earlier by sweeping Serbia 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-16), creating the scenario that required Finland to win if they wanted to compete for the top position. Set 1 saw Finland start impressively as the Marttila brothers and Joonas Jokela consistently found gaps in Estonia's defense, helping the hosts control the match and close the first set 25-22. Estonia responded strongly in sets 2 and 3. Opposite Timo Andre Lohmus opened a 16-11 lead in set 2 before closing it 25-21. In set 3, despite Luka Marttila's three consecutive aces to tie it at 19-19, Lohmus delivered a decisive block for a 22-20 lead and Estonia held on to win 25-22. Set 4 saw Finland fight back with substitute Niko Suihkonen scoring seven crucial points to force a fifth set with a 25-20 win. Estonia settled the match in the tie-break, closing it out 15-11. According to volleytimes.com, Timo Andre Lohmus finished with 24 points while Teppan added 16. WorldofVolley credited Teppan with 24 points and Lohmus with 16. Joonas Jokela made his 100th appearance for Finland, and Olivia Kunnari, niece of Finland head coach Olli Kunnari, sang the national anthem before the match. Final Pool C standings: Belgium 13 points, Finland 11, Serbia 7, Denmark 7, Estonia 5, Netherlands 2. The round of 16 begins Saturday in Sofia and Turin. Finland faces Greece on September 20-21 in Turin. Semifinals and medal matches will be held in Milan.