The men’s Finnish football championship will only be decided in the final round, when HJK succumbed to VPS in the last moments and KuPS beat FC Honga.
The Veikkausliiga of football saw dramatic changes in the last previous round. Even a draw as a guest of VPS would have been enough for HJK to secure the championship, but HJK fell behind at the very beginning of the game.
VPS ran away with two goals during the first quarter. However, HJK still rose to the levels and seemed to cling to the championship. VPS Peter Godly Michael however, scored the winning goal in overtime.
With that hit, the Vaasa team also got to celebrate the SM bronze, as the fourth-placed SJK can no longer catch up with their local rival.
The championship battle will be decided in the last round, when at the same time KuPS beat FC Honga 3–1.
‘s experts see HJK as having an advantage, but also believe in KuPS’s surprise potential.
KuPS can still sensationally become champions if they win in Helsinki in two weeks with three goals against HJK.
– Not an impossible thing, Urheilu’s expert Antti Pohja seal.
‘s studio was along the same lines Sebastian Sorsa.
– HJK’s experienced players need character and calm down the situation. Still, there is definitely tension in HJK, Sorsa continued.
HJK has won the three previous Finnish championships. Two years ago, the situation was similar to the one now, when KuPS and HJK decided the fate of the gold medals in a mutual encounter in the final round.
– We have always been able to challenge HJK before. Yes, we can beat them and do it, KuPS Tony Miettinen boasted self-confidence at Puhe’s Sports Tour.
VPS’s unimaginable rise to SM bronze from jumbo place
The story of VPS is amazing. From the first 12 matches of the season, VPS won only one and was a series jumbo. Many Veikkausliiga teams have fired their head coaches this season, but Jussi Nuorela was allowed to wash in Vaasa.
It paid off, as VPS ended the Veikkausliiga’s all-time winning streak. VPS’ 12-game winning streak ended only last week against FC Inter.
– Unbelievably wonderful. Unbelievably great. We have played wonderfully the whole season, but that end is still…, Nuorela is in a good mood.
– Two ridiculous goals were given to HJK today. There weren’t many places anyway. The end was incomprehensible.
The last time VPS won medals was ten years ago, when the Vaasa team also won the SC bronze.
The medal meant a lot to VPS. The team rushed onto the field when Michael scored a goal in overtime. The crowd also came to the field after the final whistle.
It was party time in Vaasa. Head coach Nuorela did not set any limits for the players or himself.
– (The players) can celebrate as much as they want. I’m going to celebrate quite a lot myself, Nuorela decided.
The Nigerian striker Michael was allowed to sign autographs for the juniors from Vaasa after the game.
– I can’t find words now. It feels incredible. The best feeling in my career ever, hero Michael told Urheilu.
– The team worked hard today. What can I say. I’m just happy now.
According to Michael, VPS’s plan was to start hard against HJK.
– We wanted to go hard. We let them come into the game, but now I’m just happy with the win, Michael expressed.
shows the championship-deciding match between HJK and KuPS live. The game is scheduled for Saturday, October 21 at 5:00 p.m.
Updated at 20:33. Michael did not set the Veikkausliiga goalscoring record as the story originally stated.