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The match started with strong side-out game from both teams and progressed neck-to-neck until at 6 - 6 , when Finland took a two point lead. Setter Mikko Esko's ace serve at 7 - 11 forced Tuomas Sammelvuo to take a time-out and regroup with his team. That worked and Russia began their chase forcing Finland on a time-out at 12 - 14. Mikko Esko set fire to team Finland with a couple of successful second touch spikes and Russia called a time-out at 15 - 19. Russia's chase was not enough, and Finland took first set with Russia's serve error.

Russia came to second set with a brand new attitude. Finns catched their breath at 7 - 3 and 12 - 5 on time-outs, but couldn't figure out ways to disarm Russia's firepower. Especially Dmitri Volkov (9 points) controlled the net and airspace. Finland fought valiantly but Russia won the set 25 - 15.Finland refused to quit, and game was tied until at 5 - 5, Russia changed to a higher gear with 8 - 5 lead. Finland recovered with 5 consecutive points and and forced Russia to a time-out at 10 - 11. The rest of set was a battle of wills and neither team wanted to give up. Both teams presented excellent defense game. Finland took time-outs at 23 - 22 and 24 - 22 , but couldn't turn the tables.

Third set to Russia with the smallest margin 25 - 23.

Fourth set and Finland began strong, Russia called time-out at 2 - 6. Russia got their act together and tied the game at 9 -9. Finns took a time-outs at 14 - 12 and 19 - 15, but Russia showed routine and strength, and didn't let the underdog to surprise. Set to Russia 17 - 25 and match 1 - 3. Egor Kliuka tallied 18 points and both Yaroslav Podlesnykh and Dmitri Volkov 16 points. Finland's top scorer was Antti Ronkainen with 15 points, but he didn't get enough support from his teammates.