The United States has won every previous World Cup in American football for women. However, Finland fought hard and even led the semi-final match at halftime.
Riikka Smolander-Slotte,
Anu Karttunen
Finland did not bow down when it challenged the reigning champion of American football in the World Cup semi-final in Myyrmäki, Vantaa. At halftime, Finland led the match 10–7, but the fight was not enough until the very end. The USA’s routine solved the problem, but they still had to settle for the smallest point difference in history in a 28–10 victory.
Finland made more World Cup history as they were the first team to lead the game against the USA and the first to beat them in a full quarter. The combined point difference between the two previous meetings between Finland and the United States was no less than 120-0.
– We had such good successes on the big front from the Sweden game and that confidence carried us very far today. It’s a shame that it wasn’t awarded as the best in Finland until the end Essi Saastamoinen stated.
– Of course, the disappointment is in the back of your mind, but perhaps the pride and joy of how this ended is the greatest.
Finnish defense coordinator Samu Jupon according to the biggest difference between the teams was seen in physics, as the opponent was stronger and faster. In Jupo’s opinion, the technical and tactical aspects are strong in Finland.
– Today we saw that the small margins decided. We were a fighting Finland and we were a team with a capital J. There is no way to be disappointed after such a performance. We told the players to be proud of what you did today. People don’t necessarily realize how great this was, Juppo said.
Kuusinen: The final place is not far away
In Saastomainen’s opinion, the United States offered the kind of speed that Finland is not used to in series games, but otherwise the big teams were already on the Finnish team’s side.
Playing in the WFA league in the USA Titti Kuusinen is used to the fast pace, and he recalled that the best of the best in the United States were on the field today. Finland was able to respond with a disciplined game and the defense in particular received great praise from the experienced player.
– Today, the American really got to feel what a Finnish woman is like on the Yankee football field!
According to Kuusinen, Finland’s attack has become more diversified and the players have gained a certain kind of aggressiveness in defense. In his opinion, there is a reason why Finland, as the reigning European champion at the moment, is worthy of its title.
– Of course, we have to take this a step further to improve our own work. History was already made today, and it’s really close to being there in the final, Kuusinen assured.