This is the first in a series of shows, in which the FFS team present previews for each Veikkausliiga team. In the first episode, we hear from Ally Manson on HJK Helsinki, Johan Lindblom on IFK Mariehamn, Tuomas Komulainen on AC Oulu and Tuomas Vaalta on FC Haka. Continue reading Veikkausliiga 2025 Preview: Haka, IFK Mariehamn, AC Oulu & HJK Helsinki
Mark W and Keke with a hastily arranged episode, recorded the day after new Huuhkajat head coach, Jacob Friis, names his first squad. They look for any surprising selections, discuss the positives of continuity and consider the significance of the U21’s selecting a strong squad for the Euros in June.
They then preview Finland’s first two World Cup qualifiers away to Malta and Lithuania, and Keke gets ready for his trip to Ta’ Qali (or the National Stadium). Listen out for an update on the FFS schedule for 2025, as Mark tries not to admit he has too many pods on the go! Continue reading Finland World Cup Qualifier Match Previews. Jacob Friis Names His First Huuhkajat Squad. Keke’s Passport Gets Some Action.
Mark W, Keke and Rasmus return from the winter hibernation with a round-up of recent events in the world of Finnish football. They start by sharing what they know about new Huuhkajat Head Coach, Jacob Friis, and it turns out they know more than they first thought! 🤓
They give a brief update on the Liigacup and Mark fumes at the thuggish tactics of ‘dirty Jaro’.Keke gives the low-down on the exploits of Finnish players overseas and some key transfers, including several Helmarit who have moved to play near to Keke. 😮
Finally, they look forward to round ‘0’ [ZERO] of the Suomen Cup and discuss why it’s known as Juuso’s Round – only to discover that FFS has TWO members playing in this round of the cup! 🤯 Continue reading New Huuhkajat Head Coach. Liigacup update. Transfers for Finns Overseas. Suomen Cup Round 0, ‘Juuson Kierros’.
Mark W and Keke get together to look back at two more defeats and relegation to Nations League C for Finland. This run of 6 defeats was also the final action in Markku ‘Rive’ Kanerva’s distinguished spell as Huuhkajat head coach. Ally sent his thoughts on Finland 0-2 Greece and Mark H, creator of the word Rivelution, explains why “Rive deserves a statue!”
Attention then turns to the women’s national team, as the Helmarit qualify for Euro 2025 in Switzerland with an aggregate 2-0 victory over Scotland. The men’s under-21s, the Pikkuhuuhkajat, add to a busy summer next year, qualifying for their Euro 2025 in Slovakia by trouncing Norway 6-3 on aggregate! Continue reading Huuhkajat Nations League Relegation. ‘Rive’ Kanerva Sacked. Helmarit & Pikkuhuuhkajat Qualify For Euro 2025 🔥
Mark W and Keke make up a threadbare looking FFSÂ team for this epsidoe, too review the recent, back-to-back wins for the women’s national team. The Helmarit beat Montenegro to go through the Euro 2025 second playoff round against Scotland, with the winner earning a place in the finals in Switzerland next July.
On Tuesday 12.11. the group for the next Women’s Nations League were announced, Mark and Keke also discuss Finland’s opponents in group B3. They then turn their attention to the men’s national team, as the Huuhkajat prepare to face Ireland and Greece in group B2, knowing that two wins is the only thing that will save them from relegation to League C 😰 Continue reading Helmarit Match Reports: Montenegro 0-1 Finland + Finland 5-0 Montenegro. Plus Huuhkajat Nations League Preview.
Mark W, Ally and Keke get together to look back at two more defetats for Finland, as the Huuhkajat went down to a late winner against Ireland, and were generally outcalssed by England. However, what they thought was going to be a pessimistic show, somehow took an upbeat turn – mucch to their surprise too!
Hear them discuss the games, the goals and the top performers, as well as the reaction of teh Finland fans on the Pohjoiskaarre, which suggests head coach Markku Kanerva may have lost their support 🤔 Continue reading Huuhkajat Match Reports: Finland 1-2 Ireland + Finland 1-3 England. Plus Helmarit Squad Announced For Euro 2025 Playoffs.
In this episode, Mark W, Rasmus and Mark H take centre stage to focus on the domestic game. They discuss the recent Suomen Cup final won by KuPS Kuopio (again) and then turn their attention to the closing stages of the Veikkausliiga season – where five of the top six places will be decided on the final game of the season. Several friends of the show also send in updates on their team, so we hear from Jamie (Ilves), Ally (HJK Helsinki), Julian (SJK Seinäjoki) and Farid & Isak (EIF Ekenäs). Continue reading Veikkausliiga Update: Final games previewed. KuPS wins the Suomen Cup (again!)
Olympia Stadion, Helsinki, Thu 10th Sept. and Sun 13the Sept.
It’s a home double for the Huuhkajat as both Ireland and England visit Stadi! Mark W, Ally, Keke, Rasmus and Mark H look forward to Finland’s upcoming fixtures, as they look to secure their first points in this Nations League competiton. They discuss the previous two games a little more, then preview the upcoming games, including a cameo from Ally who will be our man in the stand at both. Continue reading Huuhkajat Preview: Nations League 2024 – Finland vs Ireland + Finland vs England.
Producer Mark makes his first away trip supporting Finland and ends up back in his hometown on London. In this episode, you’ll hear Mark, Satu and Keke preview the game, long-time listener Kevin on why he is a ‘friend of the show’, plus an immediate post-match reaction from Mark & Satu. Continue reading FFS Awaydays: England vs Finland
In this episode, the FFS team talk with Finnish referee, Abdirahman Sugulle. This episode was prompted by Abdi’s LinkedIn post in the summer of 2024, a powerful post in which he lashed out at racist abuse aimed at him by a supporter.
We invited Abdi on to discuss this situation, but also his rise through the Finnish refereeing system as a young ref of Somalian heritage, the influence other minority background referees had on him, the problem of racism is Finnish society and football, but also some lighter moments from his time on the pitch.
The Finnish Football Show 