Pool C, the opening day: interview with CEV EuroVolley 2021 Ambassadors Lauri Kerminen and Eemi Tervaportti
Story of the Day
Today was the second time Finland and North Macedonia played against each other in their history; they faced each other in an intense match at the Hakametsä Arena, in Tampere.
We had the pleasure to interview Lauri Kerminen and Eemi Tervaportti.
Kerminen took previously part in four EuroVolley and two World Championships, while Tervaportti has played so far already in five EuroVolleys and two World Championships.
Lauri grew up in Suonenjoki and he got into volleyball as both his parents played the game. His major individual achievements are being the best libero in the Russian league and chosen 3 x the player of the year in Finland and for team achievements being two times Russian champion, Russian cup winner, CEV Cup winner and Finnish champion and cup winner.
Eemi was born in Äetsä and he got into volleyball because of his parents too. His major achievements so far have been: Finnish championship in 2010, Belgium Championship in 2013, 2014 & 2015, Greek Championship in 2019 and winner of the elite Polish Plusliga in 2021.
For him, who is the Captain of Team Finland, the expectations are to get better game by game and get out of the pool. His team's strength is the collective and the fact that they never give up.
The pandemic has been limiting in their chance to play friendly games and he thinks that finding the game rhythm is the biggest question mark, but still, in today's match they managed to win against North Macedonia.
He isn't waiting for a specific match in Pool C, but he thinks that Finland's fantastic fans are the ones who can make this EuroVolley an amazing experience.
What does it mean for you to be a EuroVolley 2021 Ambassador?
Lauri Kerminen: "It's an honour and of course it means a lot to represent team Finland with Eemi."
Eemi Tervaportti: "It's always an honour to be chosen to be an ambassador from your country."
What does it mean to play for your country, in your hometown and with fans attending the competitions?
Lauri Kerminen: "It means a lot. There are many players for sure who want to be in my place and put the national team jersey on and listen to our national anthem. Regarding the fans, it's funny because every time we played in the European championship or Word championship I felt like we played home because there were so many Finnish fans! So for sure now it's going to be even better when we play in Tampere!"
Eemi Tervaportti: "It's simply amazing to play the European Championships at home, we have amazing fans who support us. It's always been a privilege to represent your country."
This is the third time in history that Finland plays host to EuroVolley and the first time together with other countries. What does this mean for Volleyball and its development in your country?
Lauri Kerminen: "I think it's a good thing that we can play in many countries because we can bring volleyball to new places! To host this first round it's a big thing for us in Finland. Everybody is so excited about this tournament, and I hope we can show our best volleyball during this competition."
Eemi Tervaportti: "I hope that this European Championship will give a boost to our volleyball and we will get more young players who get inspired because of it."