The Huahkaji captain is happy about the public’s great interest in the EC qualifying games. At least brother Matej Hradecky’s wedding is included in the goalkeeper’s summer holiday plans.
Huuhkajat plays on Friday in a match with huge stakes, when it faces Slovenia, one of its main opponents in the group, in front of the home crowd.
For support, the men’s national team will have a packed Olympic Stadium, because there were only a few individual tickets for the match on sale the day before the H-moment.
– It’s great that we interest the public. It seems that futis plays a bigger and bigger role in Finland. The crowd brings a lot to us, especially in an even game where we need support. Then it’s up to us to handle the match, captain Lukas Hradecky chatted during the match.
Tickets for Monday’s match against San Marino have also been commendably sold: more than 27,000. For comparison: the last time San Marino visited the Olympic Stadium, more than 8,000 pairs of eyes witnessed Jari Litmanen farewell match, which ended with an 8–0 victory for Finland.
– A certain change has been noticeable during my national team career as well. Before, they came to watch the opponents, now us, Hradecky admitted.
– It’s great that that match is also interesting. But we are only interested in Slovenia. When it is won, then we can talk about Monday. Here is a big seam to take a step towards the Games.
Vacation with profit
Last summer, the number of matches in the Nations League at the end of a heavy season was a tough test for many. However, according to the captain, it has not been difficult to recharge for the EC qualifying matches played at the Olympic Stadium for a long time, even though the long season is behind us.
– Anyone felt the atmosphere at the last European Championships. Now that we have settled the corona, it would be great to experience so-called normal competitions, and even more so, the national team goalkeeper representing Bayer Leverkusen, who plays in the Bundesliga in Germany, mellowed.
After the summer EC qualifying matches, Hradecky also has a well-deserved vacation ahead of him, which he plans to spend in his native Turku.
– Even the holiday would be better if we get two wins!
However, one big event has been marked on the national team goalkeeper’s calendar. Playing in Hradecky SJK Math-brother is getting married in June.
– I had to play the role of bestman. Fortunately, I survived with pretty dry feet, the bridesmaids and groomsmen take care of the bigger part, a big thank you to them for that. On the wedding day, I will make a small speech and, of course, make sure that the bar has full barrels, Hradecky laughed.
However, national team duties keep the captain away from the bachelor party, which is celebrated at the weekend.
– Unfortunately, they’re celebrating there without me, but they’ll probably be fine there!
Finland – Slovenia on Friday 16.6. at 19:00. Broadcast on TV2 and Areena from 18:15.