Susanna Tapani will return to Finland’s lineup at the World Championships in Denmark, when the Women’s Lions face Japan on Monday.
Sari Sirkki,
Henri Pitkänen
10:55•Updated 11:11
The star striker of the Lionesses Susanna Tapani absence from Saturday’s World Cup match against the United States has sparked a lot of discussion. Tapani was not part of Finland’s lineup in the 1–6 defeat, but was at his friend’s wedding.
Tapani commented on the situation during Monday’s morning exercises.
– I left on Friday on a break, and I came back on Sunday. I paid for my trip myself. It’s pointless to discuss it anymore, at that point it seemed like the right solution. Friends and family are important to me. We made such a decision together, and we have to live with it, Tapani stated.
– I’m really sorry that I caused the team such confusion. It was a personal matter and I think it was up to you to decide. It was our decision that these are personal matters.
Tapani assured that he is fully committed to the team.
– I’m here and prepared in the same way as the others. It was one game and one decision, but now we’re here again. Of course all games are important, but I’m only one player and the rest of the team can handle the job.
Tapani’s decision has attracted a lot of criticism from, among others, former national team players.
– Of course this team is really important to me, and everyone can have their own opinion. I made the decision together with the coaching. I’ve talked to people close to me, but haven’t followed much else.
The match between Finland and Japan starts at 4 p.m.