Finland's dream of a first European title was ended at the hands of France in the semi-finals the previous evening, but 19 years on from their only prior last-four appearance, Finland ensured they would not pass the opportunity by to take a medal home.
In the first set, the Finns secured a 9-6 lead only for former silver medallists Slovenia to draw level again at 11-11. A 21-17 lead for the Nordic side was also cancelled out, but a 3-1 run to end the set was all Finland needed to take it 25-23.
The lead changed hands plenty of times in set two before Finland turned a 10-10 score into a 15-10 lead, and from there, the Veljekset were able to keep control and win the set 25-20, taking them one win away from a medal.
Finland's 13-11 lead in set three was the first time either side led by a margin of more than one, before Slovenia rallied from 17-14 down to 20-19 in front. The 25-point mark was passed without either side able to secure match point, before Finland finally got over the line, winning the set 29-27 to win the match 3-0 and take their place on the European podium for the first time.
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