According to Urheilu’s expert Pauliina Miettinen, Natalia Kuikka is one of the world’s elite defenders. The Finn played a big role when Portland advanced to the championship in the NWSL league.
12:45•Updated 12:48
Natalia Kuikka won the American women’s soccer championship last night as the first Finn. The NWSL league is one of the toughest in women’s soccer in the world.
In the final, Portland beat Kansas City 2–0 in Washington in front of more than 17,000 spectators.
The game was dominated by Portland. He scored the winning goal Sophia Smith already before five minutes into the game. Kansas didn’t get a single drive on goal.
Sports expert Pauliina Miettinen considers Kuika’s achievement extremely hard.
– A great thing for Finnish football. The NWSL is one of the toughest leagues in the world. It’s not easy to get there and win the championship.
Kuikka, who plays as a defender, played full minutes in the final and collected praise. For example, the US media giant ESPN praised the Finnish defender. (you switch to another service)
Also according to Miettinen, Kuikka was in shock in the final.
– He played a good game in the final. The input percentage was high. He handled the duels with honor and played a big role. According to some, he was the best player on the field.
“Gives hope to others”
Kuikka is a really versatile player. He is especially strong in physical play, such as in main game situations.
In addition, there is technical dexterity and a mental edge, says Miettinen.
In Miettinen’s opinion, Kuikka already belongs to the best defenders in the world.
– You cannot do well in the US league if you are not physically at a good level. All the hardness is so hard there. Yes, that makes Natalia one of the best players in the world. It’s not for nothing that he has played in the best team in the world and has been there as a starting player.
Kuikka, who comes from chemistry, has previously won the American university championship and the Swedish championship.
Miettinen hopes that Kuika’s championship will be reflected in the Finnish national team and younger players.
– This gives hope to others. You can rise to the top of the world from Finland. And you don’t always have to be in big company when you’re young.
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