Luka Marttila, coach Olli Kunnari bank on belief in Finland FIVB World Championship run

No five-setter match for Finland this time. But they're banking on belief to stay alive in the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship.

After two five-setters against Argentina and France in Pool C, World No. 18 Finland needed a sweep against Korea to get an outright berth to the Round of 16.

But World No. 25 Korea would not go down without a fight. Finland prevailed in four sets on Thursday, 25-18, 25-23, 17-25, 25-21.

"There was a lot of pressure for us to take the victory today," coach Olli Kunnari told reporters after the match. "Proud of the guys, the head was in the game."

Outside hitter Luka Marttila was the top scorer for Finland with 25 points from 22 attacks and three blocks.

They're still in contention for the knockout stage, but await the Argentina vs France match later in the day to learn their fate.

But no matter what happens, Finland is part of the upset story this 2025 World Championship, having shocked Olympic gold medalist France in five sets.

It keeps the fire going even beyond this tournament.

"We can compete and even win against the best teams in the world if we play good," Marttila said.

"There's a lot of teams that can win against anybody," Kunnari added. "That's something I think also for our young team, that it's very important that we believe, that we can play against the best teams in the world, and be also able to win."

For now, they believe.

[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | 32 teams compete in 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship] 

Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.

She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.