After tough defeats in Friday’s Semi-Finals, Finland and Greece are left to battle for pride, history, and a place on the podium when they meet in the Third Place Game of FIBA EuroBasket 2025.
For Finland, this bronze-medal clash represents the chance to make history. The Susijengi have already broken barriers with their first-ever Quarter-Finals appearance, and now they stand on the verge of claiming the country’s first EuroBasket medal.
A win would crown what has already been described as a “fairytale campaign,” one that began on home soil in Tampere and carried deep into Riga.
Even though they fell short against powerhouse Germany for the second time in the tournament, Lauri Markkanen and his teammates showed they belong at this level.
Their memorable Round of 16 victory against Serbia proved their ability to upset elite opposition, and now the bronze game offers one last chance to cap it all off.
Greece approach Sunday with different motivations. For the Greeks, reaching the Semis was not enough – expectations were far higher.
Their matchup with Türkiye was billed as a clash of giants but turned into a lopsided defeat, leaving Giannis Antetokounmpo and his teammates with only one opportunity to salvage pride: win bronze.
If they succeed, it will mark a repeat of 2009, ending a 16-year wait for a EuroBasket medal. For Giannis, the stakes are personal, too.
Despite being an NBA champion and MVP, he has yet to earn a medal with the national team, and Sunday offers him the chance to finally add that accomplishment to his glittering résumé.
The spotlight will inevitably fall on the duel between the two NBA superstars, Lauri Markkanen and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Both are among the tournament’s most prolific scorers – Giannis averaging 26.8 points per game, and Markkanen close behind with 23.6.
Since they both dominate the frontcourt, direct clashes between them are guaranteed, and whichever star rises higher may well carry their team to the podium.
But it won’t only be about star power. Finland’s collective approach has been their trademark, ranking third in the tournament with 22.8 assists per game.
Both teams thrive from beyond the arc, standing among the top five in three-point shooting. Depth, teamwork, and the ability to find that one hot hand could prove decisive.
The coaches also recognize the weight of the occasion.
“Finland plays with a lot of energy, they shoot a lot, they move the ball quickly and we have to be ready. It is not a disappointment to be in the four best teams in Europe after 16 years. We should have the energy for Sunday. This match is a big deal and we are facing a very good team,” said Greece’s coach Vassilis Spanoulis.
On the Finnish side, head coach Lassi Tuovi emphasized resilience and growth.
“I’m very proud of this group. They showed why they’ve been in situations like this before and managed to win. We will learn a lot from this, for sure, we weren’t perfect in the Semi-Finals. On the other hand, we can be proud the focus is on Sunday.”
History adds an intriguing layer to the matchup. Greece will be competing in their sixth EuroBasket Third Place Game, but they have only managed to win once before – in 2009.
Meanwhile, Finland have never played for a medal. Another detail worth noting is the youth of the coaches: this is the first time since 2001 that both head coaches in the Third Place Game are under 45 years old.
As for individual milestones, Lauri Markkanen has already poured in 189 points at EuroBasket 2025. With just 7 more, he will surpass his 195 points from 2022, setting a new all-time scoring record for a Finnish player at the competition.
Sunday’s contest is more than a consolation game – it’s a chance for one side to make history and the other to reclaim it.
History for Finland or a return to the podium for Greece?
— FIBA EuroBasket (@EuroBasket) September 13, 2025
🇫🇮 @basketfinland vs @HellenicBF 🇬🇷
Read the third place game preview 🥉https://t.co/ts3ftt9U6s
