Finland are one of the rank outsiders going into Euro 2020. Drawn in a group with Belgium, Russia, and Denmark, Huuhkajat will be hoping to possibly progress into the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams.
This summer’s Euros sees Finland’s first-ever participation in a major international tournament.
Here at Last Word on Football, we’ve put together this profile so that you can have the complete rundown ahead of the competition kicking off in a few days.
Everything You Need to Know About Finland Ahead of Euro 2020
Who is the Finland National Team Coach?
Markku Kanerva is the Finland head coach. Kanerva has been in charge since 2016.
The former school teacher also enjoyed a 15-year playing career in the 80s and 90s.
Kanerva, 57, was the Finland assistant manager for five years from 2011 until he took over as head coach. He played 59 times for his country between 1986 and 1995.
Since his official appointment in 2016, Kanerva has led Finland to 19 victories in 35 games.
Who Has Been Selected in the Finland Squad For Euro 2020?
Teemu Pukki has amassed 30 international goals in 90 appearances for Finland. He is just two behind their all-time leading scorer, Jari Litmanen. However, Litmanen played 137 games to get to that total for his country. Pukki, 31, will be hoping to surpass Litmanen’s record at the finals this summer.
Pukki scored 10 goals in qualifying for the Euros. Finland’s next highest scorer was midfielder Fredrik Jensen with just two goals. The team’s dependence on Pukki’s goals is a concern and they may need more goal contributions from around the pitch if they are to taste any success this summer.
GKs: Jesse Joronen (Brescia), Lukas Hradecky (Bayer Leverkusen), Anssi Jaakola (Bristol Rovers)
Defenders: Jukka Raitala (Minnesota United), Joona Toivio (Hacken), Leo Vaisanen (Elfsborg), Sauli Vaisanent (Chievo), Paulus Arajuuri (Pafos), Daniel O’Shaughnessy (HJK), Jere Uronen (Genk), Nikolai Alho (MTK), Robert Ivanov (Warta Poznan), Pyry Soiri (Esbjerg)
Midfielders: Robert Taylor (Brann), Robin Lod (Minnesota United), Tim Sparv (AEL), Rasmus Schuller (Djurgarden), Thomas Lam (Zwolle), Fredrik Jensen (Augsburg), Glen Kamara (Rangers), Joni Kauko (Esbjerg), Onni Valakari (Pafos), Lassi Lappalainen (Montreal)
Forwards: Teemu Pukki (Norwich City), Joel Pohjanpalo (Union Berlin), Marcus Forss (Brentford)
Bad Form a Worry Coming Into This Tournament
Finland lost to lowly Estonia last Friday evening. It was their sixth game without a win heading into the Euros. Defeats to Wales, Switzerland, and Sweden were interspersed by two draws against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Ukraine in their opening World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Finland qualified for Euro 2020 by finishing second in Group J, behind Italy. They won six of their ten matches, losing the other four.
Group Stage Fixtures
Finland are in Group B of the European Championship alongside Belgium, Russia, and Denmark.
They can consider themselves unlucky with the venues as their first two opponents – Denmark and Russia – will be playing in their home countries. Finland will then stay in St Petersburg after their clash with Russia as they are due to finish the group there against Belgium on June 21st.
Finland v Denmark – June 12, 5pm BST
Finland v Russia – June 16, 2pm BST
Finland v Belgium – June 21, 8pm BST
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