Finland’s under-21 men’s national football team has the opportunity to reach the age group European Championships for the second time in history.
10.9. 20:02•Updated 10.9. 22:38
Finland’s under-21 men’s national football team defeated Romania 2–0 in the European Championship qualifying match in Tampere. They were responsible for Finland’s goals Tony Miettinen and Take the Glue.
Miettinen headed the ball into the goal from a corner kick in the opening half. Liimatta, on the other hand, shot a beautiful goal from a great shot Naatan Skytä from initialization.
With his goal, Liimatta also took the joint top spot in the EC qualifiers goal exchange. Liimatta, who plays in Famalicão in the Portuguese premier league, has already scored seven goals in the qualifiers.
The win in Romania means that Finland moved to the top of its European Championship qualifying group, at least before the match between Montenegro and Switzerland that will be played later in the evening. Before the match against Finland, Romania was at the top of the group. The previous match between the teams had ended with Romania’s home win 1–0.
Finland has the European Championship place in its own hands before the last qualifying matches to be played in mid-October. On October 11, Finland will first face Switzerland, who is also fighting for a place in the European Championships, on the away field. The qualification ends for Finland on October 15 with a home game against Montenegro, which has already lost its chance.
Switzerland has 17 points. Finland now has 16 points, as does Romania. Albania has 13, Montenegro 7 and Armenia 2.
The group winner will go directly to the European Championships in Slovakia next year, and the group runner-up will also qualify for the next round.
Finland’s under-21 men have been in the EC final tournament only once in history. Current Huuhkajie head coach Markku Kanerva led the under-21-year-old men to the European Championship in 2009. The captain of that group was later also the captain of Huuhkajie Tim Sparv.
Captain of the Finnish team Ville Koskella were direct words why Pikkuhuuhkajat has succeeded well in the European Championship qualifiers.
– The joy of playing. Happiness. Freshness. This is where they all shined, especially on this trip, Koski stated.
Finland’s head coach Mika Lehkosuo smiled widely at Urheilu’s interview station.
– It’s hard to describe in words. Of course we are in heaven, Lehkosuo, who gave the interview in a husky voice, expressed his feelings.
According to Lehkosuo, Romania had changed everything in what it did, especially in the direction of defense compared to the previous European Championship qualifiers.
– They were clearly afraid of us playing with the ball. In my opinion, Romania mixed up their own play in this way, Lehkosuo stated.
Lehkosuo was also happy about how the Pikkuhuuhkajat was good once again in special situations and got a goal from them. On the side of the Huahkajis, on the other hand, there has been talk for a long time about weaker special situations.
– We have found by Ramiro Muñoz to our coaching team. He is responsible for them and plans them. Sure Eemeli Reposen and with my support. We have also added height to the team and thus a threat. Even if, for example, two meters Luka HyryläinenLehkosuo found out why special situations have become a strength for the Pikkuhuuhkaji.
Updated at 22:38. The final result of the match between Montenegro and Switzerland.
1. Switzerland8 matches, 17 points
2. Finnish8 matches played, 16 points
3. Romania8 matches, 16 points
4. Albania9 games, 13 points
5. Montenegro8 matches, 7 points
6. Armenia9 matches, 2 points