Huuhkajat was close to the lead against Ireland, but the next situation rang in their own hands. Matti Peltola’s reaction sums up the pain of the players and supporters.
The Finnish men’s national football team’s loss to Ireland in the Nations League on Thursday could not have come in a much harsher way.
Everything culminated in a chain of events just minutes before the final whistle.
Robin Lod gave an onside free kick from the left. Benjamin Källman was able to shoot from the back post, but the ball flew just inches past the post and licked it.
Ireland scored the winning goal from the next attack and the expressions of the Finnish players became even more painful.
A particularly painful expression was already in the aftermath of Källman’s header in the match, who came on the field from the substitution Matti Peltola. He recounted the situation and his reaction to Urheilu on Friday.
– Now I have to call myself. You should have been able to continue the movement to the end and not wait to see if the ball bounced right there. Yes, it was annoying. You have to learn to be more ready to put your body on the ground and put the ball into the void, says Peltola.
Peltola says that he was waiting for the return ball and says that he realized the situation quickly.
– At the point when you see the ball coming to the front, you should be more alert to be able to slide the ball into the gaps. At the moment when the ball passed, I realized that it was not a joke.
It was understandably quiet in the Huahkaji locker room after the match. The supporters whistled after the match ended and directed an understyle song in the direction of the Football Association.
– A crushing and really frustrating loss. We were leading the game and the last goal came so late. Hit the head really hard, defender Arttu Hoskonen states.
– Of course I understand the criticism. It is legitimate. Three games, three losses, one goal scored and seven conceded. Now is a worse phase, but it has been like that before.
Peltola also has enough understanding of the supporters’ reactions.
– Criticism is welcome, I don’t see it as a bad thing. It shows that the supporters are really involved in this matter with their hearts. We must be able to do better than what we have presented so far. It’s up to us how the fans react after the game, Peltola sums up.
The game development of Huahkaji has attracted a lot of criticism. The changes in the coaching group have not improved the results, and it is still difficult to identify the backbone of the game. All three autumn Nations League games have been very different for Huuhkajie.
– There is certainly a lot to reform and we are trying to change the way we play. This is a competitive sport where the results tell a lot. If we had won, I would say right away that it would have gone better. I can’t say more precisely where we are going in terms of the process, says Peltola.
England is waiting at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday, but before that, Finnish football fans have a big match ahead of them on Friday night. The under-21 national team is aiming for a place in next summer’s European Championships, and by winning on the away field in Switzerland on Friday, the goal would be very close.
Peltola, who has played one game in the current EC qualifiers for the under-21 side, knows what he plans to do tonight.
– At least I follow the game myself. By the way, you didn’t mention that I scored a goal in the game I played, Peltola grins and pokes the reporter.
Due to his age, Peltola can play in the final tournament organized in Slovakia next summer, if the Pikkuuuhkajat reaches there. Has it happened in the mind of the player who has established his place in Huuhkaj?
– I’m aware of it, but I haven’t thought about it. So are the games next summer? I can’t say anything yet, Peltola concludes.
will show Pikkuhuhkajie’s EC qualifying match against Switzerland live in Areena and on the app on Friday 11 October. from 8:50 p.m.
On Sunday, the broadcast of the Nations League match between Huuhkajie and England will start on TV2, Areena and the app from 18:15.