The mood around the Finland national team turned drastically over the space of a few days, with the highs of the 7-0 away win against San Marino on 26th September ended by the dismal 0-0 draw at home to Belarus three days later.
Now, Finland need to lift themselves once more ahead of today’s (3rd October) crunch meeting at home to Albania (15:00 CEST), where a win puts the Finns top of UEFA Nations League Group C1, and defeats makes Albania the overwhelming favourites to take the automatic promotion spot.
Unlike the match against Belarus, a strong crowd is expected at today’s encounter, but one person who won’t be present at Helsinki Olympic Stadium is Robin Lod, who has been forced to leave the squad due to injury.
With plenty on the line in this first meeting between the nations since 2002, midfielder Leo Walta has asked for more togetherness within the squad. “We need to be more united. The distances grew too large and we couldn’t find each other. We can’t try to decide the match just as individuals, because as a team we are much stronger,” said the Los Angeles FC man.
Head coach Jacob Friis took the blame for his side’s poor attacking showing last time out but praised his side’s defensive work following successive clean sheets, but against a tougher opponent, Finland need to have contributions from all areas of the pitch. “I told the players today that we have to be at a high level in all aspects of the game. It feels like the players are looking forward to the match with great enthusiasm because they want to show that they can do better.”
The coach also said there will be no knee-jerk reaction in terms of his squad selection: “There won’t be eight changes to the starting line-up in a panic reaction. I have a lot of faith in these players. They are eager to perform and take more than one point on Saturday.”
Despite the disappointment against Belarus, the Danish coach has not lost his sense of humour, even if his jokes weren’t landing in front of the assembled media. “None of our players have left camp on a private plane, so everyone is ready. I have more or less all the players available,” chuckled Friis, making reference to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s exit from the Portugal camp, but the joke was met with complete silence. “You didn’t get my joke at first? It was very Finnish – there wasn’t the slightest reaction, so now I look like an idiot,” he added, making fun of himself.
First Half begins. Lineups are announced and players are warming up. Attempt missed. Arbër Hoxha (Albania) right footed shot from the left side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Rey Manaj. Corner, Albania. Conceded by Tony Miettinen. Attempt blocked. Rey Manaj (Albania) left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Stavros Pilios. Attempt blocked. Ernest Muçi (Albania) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Arbër Hoxha. Adam Markhiyev (Finland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Ylber Ramadani (Albania). Foul by Rey Manaj (Albania). Adam Markhiyev (Finland) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Offside, Albania. Ernest Muçi is caught offside. Goal! Finland 0, Albania 1. Rey Manaj (Albania) header from the left side of the six yard box to the top right corner. Assisted by Kristjan Asllani with a cross following a corner. Corner, Albania. Conceded by Leo Walta. Attempt missed. Daniel Håkans (Finland) right footed shot from outside the box is too high. Rey Manaj (Albania) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Foul by Tony Miettinen (Finland).
