[Podcast] Finnish Football Show: World Cup Qualifier Previews – Finland take on Bosnia-Herzegonvina & France

In the midst of uncertainty about where, exactly, Finland will play Bosnia-Herzegovina, the FFS team look at Markku Kanerva’s squad selection for these two, vital World Cup qualifiers. On 13th November, Finland travel (in theory) to Zenica to play Bosnia-Herzegovina. Then on 16th November, the Huuhkajat play hosts to France in a game that could see Finland qualify for its second consecutive major finals. There’s some work to be done yet, though, as Mark W, Rich, Mark H and Keke discuss…

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[Podcast] Finnish Football Show: Veikkausliiga 2021 Review – HJK Helsinki Crowned Champions 🏆🏅

The final weekend of the Veikkausliiga 2021 season was full of drama. First played second, as KuPS hosted HJK in a battle for the title. While third played fourth, as Inter hosted SJK in the bronze medal match… and what accommodating hosts they were too! This game also turned into a shoot-out for the top scorer prize, with Benjamin Källman and Ariel ‘Tuco’ Ngueukam going toe-to-toe in this game, and both finishing on 14 goals for the season.

Mark H, Rich, Keke and Mark W get together to review the final weekend’s action and let’s just say, there were mixed emotions for the FFS team! We also look at the action in the Veikkausliiga/Ykkönen play-off between AC Oulu & RoPS.

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Match Report: Finland 1-2 Ireland, Women’s World Cup Qualifier

Back on home soil, the Helmarit struggled to break down a resolute Ireland side that got players behind the ball to defend, while making the most of counter-attacking on the break. A fine goal-of-the-match from Adelina Engman, was not enough against a good direct free kick and a close-range header for Ireland. Mark W, Keke and Rich got together for a chat straight after the game. Continue reading Match Report: Finland 1-2 Ireland, Women’s World Cup Qualifier

Match Report: Georgia 0-2 Finland, Women’s World Cup Qualifier

On a football pitch that resembled a ploughed field, the Helmarit put on an assured, commanding performance to take a comfortable 3-0 World Cup Qualifier victory back home from Tbilisi, Georgia.

Goals from Linda Sällström, Sanni Franssi and, a penalty from, Emmi Alanen ensured that Finland sit in joint top place in group A, with local rivals Sweden. Mark W and Rich got together for a chat straight after the game. Continue reading Match Report: Georgia 0-2 Finland, Women’s World Cup Qualifier

[Podcast] In Conversation with… Tinni Korpela

In this episode, Keke and Mark W are joined by another Helmarit star and yet another Finnish goalkeeper! Tinja-Riikka Korpela who is a legend of the women’s game; a serial winner who won two Bundesliga titles and three Finnish championships. As well as making 90+ appearances for the Helmarit – the women’s Finland national team – and playing a large part in getting the Helmarit into Euro 2022.

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Match Report: Finland 1-2 Ukraine

On Saturday evening, Markku Kanerva’s Finland were dealt a near fatal blow by a stubborn Ukraine side, reducing the odds of their World Cup Qualification to “comical”.

Both Kanerva and visiting manager Oleksandr Petrakov set up with the same approach as the reverse fixture, with more familiar options Jukka Raitala and Thomas Lam replacing the injured Jere Uronen and Tim Sparv. Continue reading Match Report: Finland 1-2 Ukraine