In 2014, Finland ended a 32-year absence from the FIVB World Championship and returned in emphatic fashion. Thousands of fans travelled to Poland to cheer on their team as they enjoyed a spirited run to the second round, before eventually finishing ninth. This bettered their previous best of 11th, back in 1952. This year marks Finland’s eighth appearance in the competition.
After a one-off appearance in 1993, Finland re-joined the FIVB World League in 2006 and was an ever-present part of the competition. Their best finish was seventh place back in 2007.
In 2017, Finland finished 12th in the European Championship, on a par with their 2015 ranking and down four spots from their previous 2013 and 2011 performances. Their best ever continental performance was in 2007, when they lost in the bronze medal match, going down 3-1 to Serbia.
Finnish fans will be hoping that their team will rise to the occasion and, like in 2014, provide an upset or two in Turin.