Euro 2020 Preview - Finland

[Dave]

Finland

Expanding the competition has allowed nations such as Finland the opportunity to live out a dream with the most talented group of players they've had since the likes of Sami Hypia, Jari Litmanen and Mikael Forssell.

Road to Euro 21
Finland finished second in qualifying ahead of Greece, Bosnia & Herzegovnia and Armenia. Interestingly they didn't draw any games and lost once to both of their closest rivals to second place. Effectively, it was the two wins against Armenia that were decisive in ensuring qualification.

This was a huge moment for Finland as a nation. Some jokingly called for the 15th (the day they qualified) to become a national holiday in Finland.

What to Expect
During qualifying, Finland attempted to remain solid defensively. This resulted in six clean sheets en route to the tournament. Manager Markku Kanerva has worked from the Finnish Under 21 team to become the national team manager and its hoped amongst supporters he has the knowledge of the players within his squad to adapt accordingly depending on the opposition.

 

Possible Lineup
Lukas Hradecky was injured for the most recent World Cup Qualifiers but will return to the starting line up as his replacement Jesse Joronen failed to impress.

Joona Toivio and Paulus Arajuuri were first choice centre-back pairing during the qualifiers and are likely to start. Jere Uronen appears to be the favoured left back when fit but his position is slightly more under threat by Juuka Raitala and Niko Hamalaienen should Finland opt to play wing backs. The right back position is slightly more unclear and is likely to change depending on formation. In a 4-4-2 we favour Robert Ivanov or Albin Granlaud to start ahead of Nikolai Alho in a back four, however in a 5-3-2 we expect Nikolai Alho to play in a right wing back role. In a 5-3-2 formation Daniel O'Shaugnessy is likely to play the third defender.

The central midfield partnership contains two of the most Finnish names you'll ever here in Robert Taylor and Glen Kamara. Tim Sparv featured most alongside them during qualification, however in the most recent international games both Onni Valakari and Rasmus Schuller featured more prominently. It wouldn't surprise to see eother of them start ahead of Tim Sparv or Robert Taylor during the group stage.

It's not clear who is likely to start alongside Teemu Pukki upfront. It appears to be a battle between Robin Lod and Joel Pohjanpalo. Whilst Robin Lod featured in both of their recent qualifaction matches, we believe Joel Pohjanpalo's recent two goals in a friendly against Switzerland will be enough to persuade Markku Kanerva that he could provide another much needed source of goals for Finland heading in to this tournament. If Teemu Pukki fails to recover from his most recent injury then we favour Robin Lod and Joel Pohjanpalo to start alongside each other.

 

Key Player - Teemu Pukki
Finland will be desperate that Teemu Pukki recovers from ankle ligament damage in time for the tournament as he's been able to repeat his club form on the international stage. He scored an impressive ten goals in ten games during the qualifiers. If Finland are going to succeed in Group B, they will need Pukki to continue this rich vein of form.

Prediction
The Huuhkajat could be set for a tough time in Group B. If teams successfully isolate Teemu Pukki it's difficult to see where goals will come from. They'll be relying hugely on defensive solidity and Lukas Hradecky being at his best if they're to have any chance of progressing to the second stage.

[Azeem]

P. S @Devil-Dick Willie What happened with that Finnish girl ?

[Devil-Dick Willie]

51 minutes ago, McAzeem said:

P. S @Devil-Dick Willie What happened with that Finnish girl ?

Pilvi! She's long gone. Miss her sometimes. 

[Stan]

2 hours ago, Devil-Dick Willie said:

Pilvi! She's long gone. Miss her sometimes. 

Did she Finnish it with you? 

[Tommy]

On 26/05/2021 at 07:08, Devil-Dick Willie said:

Pilvi! She's long gone. Miss her sometimes. 

I have a history with a finnish girl as well. They are quite something. 

Anyway. Rooting for Ex-Fortuna boy Pohjanpalo here! 

[Whiskey]

@Tommy has never finnished with a girl.

[Tommy]

8 minutes ago, Whiskey said:

@Tommy has never finnished with a girl.

Food for thought. Can be interpreted in many ways. 

[Devil-Dick Willie]

3 hours ago, Tommy said:

I have a history with a finnish girl as well. They are quite something. 

Anyway. Rooting for Ex-Fortuna boy Pohjanpalo here! 

They ARE quite something. Never met a more reserved person in my life, but once they open up oh boy.