Finland beat Belgium 71–66 in the World Cup qualifier away from home.
Belgium’s Emmanuel Manu Lecomte (left) drove Sasu Salini and Olivier Nkamhoua into the mine. ZumaWire / MVPHOTOS
A miserable throwing game was Susijeng’s fate in Charleroi, when Finland faced Belgium in the World Cup qualifier.
The hosts were leading by as many as 13 points at their best, but a great fight in the last set was enough for a 71–66 victory this time.
In a harsh way, the numbers tell what was already known beforehand. The first matches of the qualifying windows have been difficult for Finland.
– For some reason, the first games have been difficult. Now we are focused on exactly that. We have emphasized that we would get the right charge, Sasu Salin anticipates for Iltalehti.
However, it was difficult. Belgium led by five points at the break, and the head coach Lassi Tuovi had to take a timeout right at the beginning of the third period, when the hosts were in danger of running away to the horizon.
The head coach made big changes to Finland’s defensive game. Gradually they started biting. Belgium scored only ten points in the last quarter.
– The boys did a great performance in that. We have to remember that we have had very few practices, but still they were able to adapt like that in the middle of the game, Tuovi praised Yle.
A dramatic start
The match got off to a really dramatic start. Only 11 seconds had elapsed on the game clock when Sasu Salin remained on the parquet surface writhing in pain. The back man finally got up strongly, grimacing, to throw a free throw and increase Finland’s lead to 4–0.
After that, however, the difficulties began. Throws hit the irons and rudimentary fumbles occurred in the defense.
The next time Susijengi took the lead only towards the end of the fourth period. Andre Gustavson took a 64–61 lead from under the basket with only three minutes left in the game.
Belgium still drew level, but the biggest hero of the match Olivier Nkamhoua sank the triple that finally decided the match. Nkamhoua scored a total of 23 points, being clearly Susijeng’s most efficient player.
Finland’s Mustapha Amzil (number 25) and Andre Gustavson (left) try to get the ball away from the Belgian. PDO
Miikka Muurinen left quite a bit of playing time. He ended up scoring just one point.
The teams will meet again on Sunday in Espoo. A win from that would bring the desired World Championship place really close.
The metro arena has been sold out for a long time.
– The home crowd can’t bring anything but energy, promised Nkamhoua in an interview with Yle.
