Finland delivered a stunning performance against Serbia in the EuroBasket tournament, marking an unexpected exit for the Serbian team, led by star player Nikola Jokic. Finland prevailed in that round of 16 battle, winning 87-78. This upset victory sent Serbia home for the second straight time at this stage of the tournament.
Smart Player Lauri Markkanen proved that he can carry a team offensively, as he led Finland with 29 points. His offensive contributions were important all game long, but they took on a particular kind of importance in the last few minutes. Along with him, Aleksej Valtonen became a main contributor, adding 13 points. During that stretch run in the closing minutes, Valtonen stepped up and scored eight points in only two minutes. His inspired performance swung the mojo back to Finland.
It was Valtonen’s unbelievable 3-pointer with only two minutes remaining on the clock that gave Finland the lead at 82-78. He not only hit an enormous shot, but then followed it up with a tip-in. Then he hit another three-pointer to help Finland pull away and clinch their 80-76 victory.
Besides their offensive scoring contributions, Finland had a major advantage on the boards, grabbing an amazing 20 offensive rebounds. This edge proved highly influential in their capacity to keep Serbia under pressure for most of the match.
The best team didn’t take long to establish a penalty kick fund the flock! @FlockToThePitch #TheNPSL — SoccerCityFC (@SoccerCityFC) This remarkable run powered them to a stunning 77-75 fourth-quarter lead. They were unable to hold their lead as Finland scored again and took the lead.
In other World Cup matches Germany held Portugal to only seven points in the second half. Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner added 16 points apiece. They did not do themselves any favors with their three-point shooting, going a combined 0 for 22 from distance. Germany had no answers for Neemias Queta, who poured in a monster performance for Portugal, going for 18 points and 11 rebounds.
“They played a great game. From the start we didn’t come ready,” – Nikola Jokic
As Finland basks in the glory of their historic win against Serbia, they will turn their attention to tougher tests ahead in the tournament. Turkey will now face either Poland or Bosnia-Herzegovina for a place in the last four. In tournament news beyond Team USA, Lithuania’s Arnas Velicka was the star of the day, dropping 21 points and dishing 12 assists.
“I just wasn’t ready from the jump.”
Meanwhile, other matches in the tournament saw Germany limiting Portugal to just seven points in the second half. Dennis Schroder and Franz Wagner both managed to score 16 points despite struggling from beyond the arc, going a combined 0 for 22 from three-point range. Germany faced challenges against Neemias Queta, who contributed significantly for Portugal with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
As Finland celebrates their historic victory over Serbia, they now look forward to the upcoming challenges in the tournament. Turkey is set to play against either Poland or Bosnia-Herzegovina for a spot in the semifinals. In other news, Lithuania’s Arnas Velicka stood out with a remarkable performance, scoring 21 points and providing 12 assists.
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