Tuuli Viinikka is part of the Helmarien group, which will face Croatia in the League of Nations on Tuesday.
Sakari Lund,
Hinn Hirvonen
League of Nations: Croatia-Finland live on TV2, Areena and the app on Tuesday at 18:00.
Playing in Tampere Ilves of the National League Wind Viinikka turned 19 last Friday and was with his teammates at the cabin celebrating the end of the season.
On Saturday morning, he was still at the cabin when the phone rang. The head coach of Helmarei was on the phone Marko Saloranta, who invited Viinika to the national team for the Nations League match in Croatia. Vine replaces Ria Öling’swho was suspended for the home match against Croatia on Friday.
– I couldn’t wait at all. It really came out of the blue. It felt really great and a bit exciting, Viinikka told about her mood.
Viinikka, who is from Hämeenlinna, previously played for HJS, from which he moved to Ilves in 2021. He played his first National League match in the spring of 2022 and now he has already been invited to Helmari. Of course, he has played in the junior national teams.
The teammates immediately got to congratulate the new national team player and a message quickly went home to the family group. Viinikka left to pack her bag and travel towards Croatia.
A place in the national team has always been a dream for Viinika, and now it came true faster than she could have expected.
– I thought that I should still develop and grow my name before such an opportunity comes.
Head coach Saloranta told why Viinikka was invited.
– Tuuli played a good season in Ilves and has come through the entire girls’ national team path. He is a versatile player, has played many different positions in national teams and in the league. The features are enough to put him on the field.
The Helmaris received the newcomer well.
– Everyone is really nice and warm person. It’s been really nice to be here.
The team also includes players who have been Viinika’s idols.
– Tinni (Korpela), Natalia Kuikka, Emma Koivistothere are quite a few.
Viinikka’s goals are further than in Ilves. International fields are interesting, especially England. The plans for next season are still open.
Finland leads its group of the Nations League after three rounds with a clean game. On Friday, Finland beat Croatia in Helsinki 3–0 after an overwhelming performance.
Below you can see the goals of the Croatia match.