Vaelma comes home for big occasion

Finland travelled to Turku on Tuesday for their UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ quarter-final against England – a homecoming for defender Petra Vaelma.

Homecoming
The 27-year-old hails from the south-western port city, and is relishing Thursday's sell-out encounter after having helped the hosts win Group A with three matches at Helsinki's Olympic Stadium. "It is simply marvellous to play in front of friends in Turku," Vaelma told uefa.com. "There has been some good-natured joking in the team about playing in Turku, but honestly I think this is a good thing for everyone. I think new surroundings for a change will do us good."

Elusive goal
Last month Vaelma celebrated the tenth anniversary of her senior Finland debut but the Norwegian-based Klepp IL right-back, who filled a central defensive slot in the last group game against Ukraine, is still waiting for her first international goal after 86 appearances. She came mighty close in the 2-1 win against the Netherlands last Wednesday that sealed progress, hitting the crossbar from distance, having earlier provided the cross for Laura Österberg Kalmari's opening goal. "That was close then, and thought I might score against Ukraine after that," she said. "It was not to be, but it would be great to score in Turku."

England threat
However, Vaelma knows she will have her hands full at the other end against England. "They have got better as the tournament has progressed," Vaelma said. "England have really good wingers and of course Kelly Smith is the player to watch especially."

Pressure
Then again, unlike England, Finland topped their group. "We have played well and the home crowd is a big advantage to us," she said. "Certainly there is pressure, now it is all about winning or we are out of the finals. I think the pressure is only a positive thing. We tend to play not so well when there is nothing riding on the game. Now the stakes are really high and I am sure that will get the best out of us."

Making amends
There may also be some unfinished business on Vaelma's mind; she was involved when her side were beaten 3-2 by a last-gasp Karen Carney goal in a dramatic UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ opener in Manchester, when England were the hosts. "Certainly we remember that and it is payback time now," Vaelma said. "One thing is certain, both teams are better now than four years ago."