Huhkaji should be able to play today with an almost healthy team. Matti Peltola has had problems with his knee and he trained lightly without a match.
After the two losses in September, head coach Markku Kanerva emphasizes that the team now has a big desire to play in front of the home crowd.
– There is also talk of forced victory. You can’t always lose. It won’t be an easy match at any point. Ireland showed in their defeats that they have a threat even in the attack end, Kanerva described to Urheilu on the eve of the Ireland match.
Process or result, which is more important against Ireland?
– Both are important. When you look at the standings and our goals, the result is extremely important, says Kanerva.
Huhkajat have already announced their goal to remain in the B level of the Nations League. A home loss to Ireland would not bode well for this goal.
According to Kanera, this week the focus has been on attacking play and how to create better scoring opportunities. Finland has tried to control the ball, but now they would like to take the next step, which is to make better use of it.
– September’s results are not satisfactory. No goals have been scored. We have created too little of a threat, Kanerva sums up.
The head coach has clear thoughts about Ireland.
– Ireland sometimes plays in a straight line. They press actively and are a really physical team. I take it they create pressure. We have to get past the press, says Kanerva.
Sami Laine interviewed.