Finland’s head coach Marko Saloranta commented on the team’s preparation for the match on Thursday.
According to Saloranta, the team must be able to defend extremely well. In addition, it is important to be able to take advantage of changes in the situation.
– Italy punished Holland for them. In Holland, both defending and attacking are quite brave. For example, one-on-one situations are left to the last line of defense, and the entire line of defense is not very fast guys, Saloranta said.
– Of course, Holland is also a challenge. They press all the time. Our opportunities are in changing situations and keeping control of the ball, he continued.
Holland is struggling with injuries at the moment. On the side are key players Jill Roord and Vivianne Miedema. Of course, Saloranta’s injuries also weaken the top teams.
– Such a cold fact that Holland has five times the number of girls and women players compared to Finland. Maybe it’s a little easier for them to complete the team than it is for us.
Finland also has a few important absentees. Dana Leskinen replaced Tiia Peltonen. Goalkeeper Anna Tamminen is also sidelined from the team, who was replaced by Anna Koivunen.
Katariina Kosola has played the last time a month ago in the ranks of her club team Häcken. He is with the team, but not in tonight’s lineup.
– Sure, there are always injuries, but there weren’t many of them in recent years. In the fall, our players played big roles in their own clubs. The situation has been more difficult in the spring and there is also a lack of players. In the case of Katariina Kosola, we will take it one day at a time, head coach Saloranta said.