The Men's Goalball team from Finland beat Belgium 8-5 at the Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium on Wednesday to keep their slim finals hopes alive.
Languishing on the bottom of pool A without a win, Finland was not expected to be a challenge for Belgium. However, they were in top form from the opening throw when Jarno Mattila scored the first of his four goals.
"We have lost three games already. If we want to enter the quarterfinals, this game is a must-winning game for us," said Veli-Matti Aittola of Finland.
"As you know, yesterday we lost. I just forgot that part and we played poker together last night," revealed Aittola on how they relaxed after three losses.
Finland led 4-1 as Belgium brought on their top scorer for the tournament, Youssef Bihi, who had started on the bench.
Bihi scored with his first throw, then Johan de Rick scored with a penalty and it looked like Finland would be run over.
But at 5-4, Finland, with four minutes still to play, Finland scored three times in 30 seconds to put the game beyond doubt.
A late goal by Bihi made the final score 8-5.
(BOCOG September 10, 2008)