All these worst threats came true in the Huhkajie’s harsh defeat – now the expert expects bold changes from Markku Kanerva

Urheilu’s expert Miika Nuutinen picks up three points from the Huuhkajie’s stinging loss to Slovenia, which could have far-reaching consequences.

In the European Championship qualifiers, Finland lost to Slovenia 3-0 on Saturday night in a very important match. An away win for Slovenia could have far-reaching consequences. Now the EC competition place is no longer in Huuhkajie’s own hands.

In addition, based on mutual matches, Slovenia is ahead of Finland if the two teams end up with equal points. Sports expert Miika Nuutinen picks up three picks in Slovenia loss.

1. A nightmare from Finland in the first half

Miika Nuutinen sets the start of the game as a significant moment. Slovenia ran away with two goals Benjamin Šeško with hits already in the first half hour.

– Slovenia took control of the game right from the first minute. Huhkaki had no game phase, which would have worked really well. Huhkaki had difficulties in defense. The distances were quite long.

– Finland was forced to play long balls in their own ball play. Their aftermath was lost. Slovenia systematically overcame chaotic situations, Nuutinen sums up.

Even before the match, there was talk of how important the opening goal would be. Finland has tended to lose in more than 90 percent of the games where the opponent has hit first. Šeško managed to score from a penalty kick after the 15th minute of the game.

– Slovenia’s opening goal put Huuhkajat in a pretty difficult position. Just before Slovenia’s second goal, Finland gained momentum, but Slovenia fought back. Then there was a big mountain to climb, says Nuutinen about the gameplay.

2. The Slovenian threat came true as predicted

Expert Nuutinen had already raised Slovenia’s top pair, Benjamin Šeško and Andraž Sporar, Slovenia’s fast attacks and strong special situation play. All those threats came true against Huuhkaji.

– Both goals, 1–0 and 2–0, were excellent examples of a strong top pair and how Slovenia is good at fast attacks. The first goal (before the penalty shootout) showed where Slovenia is really good. They quickly turned the game towards the top players. The second goal was a model example of the kind of speed the top pair has and it also came from a counter attack.

The third goal came from the aftermath of a corner kick.

– Slovenia has been strong in special situations in these qualifiers. Slovenia actually got to use all its own strengths against Finland, Nuutinen summed up.

3. Bold solutions are expected from Markku Kanerva

Finland will next face Kazakhstan on Tuesday at the Olympic Stadium. From that, you can expect nothing but a win and three points from Huuhkaj. Finland now practically needs to win all three of its remaining qualifying games.

– Now it’s a test for the team and the coaching staff, how to handle the loss. Markku from Kanerva has seen quite bold and big changes as Huuhkajie’s head coach in such moments. Through them, it has been possible to turn the course quickly. That is expected this time as well, Nuutinen states.

Nuutinen picks up one more positive success from the game, By Daniel Håkans. He came on the field for the second half by Rasmus Schüller in place of.

– Håkans signed up to compete strongly for a place in the starting line-up for the Kazakhstan game, Nuutinen stated.