Finland urged to fight for points

Finland coach Roy Hodgson is hoping a number of his players can overcome a lack of match practice when they face successive home games against Serbia and Belgium in UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying.

Lacking sharpness
With some of Finland's key men being sidelined at their clubs for injury or selection reasons, their preparation for the Group A matches on 2 and 6 June has been less than ideal. However, Hodgson is staying positive, saying: "I'm not worried. I'm a pragmatist and you have to deal with situations. What I do know, is that I would be very disappointed if the players who are here - whether they have played every game, some games or have been on the bench - are not desperate to face Serbia. When they put on that white shirt of Finland, they should go all out to defend it."

Litmanen race
One player stymied by injuries of late is 36-year-old captain Jari Litmanen, who has not played a minute for Malmö FF in Sweden this spring. Hodgson admits that Litmanen may not be able to feature in Helsinki on Saturday, though things could change for the visit of Belgium. Yet with his team occupying a promising position of joint second in Group A alongside Portugal and Serbia, with eleven points from six games, the Englishman has cause for confidence. "The Serbia match is important to us - but all games are. The next game is always the most important. Any points taken from Serbia and Belgium could be crucial, although it's going to be difficult," Hodgson said. "It is vital the players give everything they have."