Marvellous Mäkinen reaches landmark

Anne Mäkinen has become the first Finnish woman to reach 100 international caps after appearing against Germany in the Algarve Cup. The 30-year-old midfielder, who made her debut aged just 15, had little else to celebrate, however, as Finland were beaten 5-0 by the world and European champions.

Elevated company
"It's just another game really, but I'm extremely happy to have reached this landmark," said Mäkinen, who received the Football Association of Finland's Erik von Frenckell medal after the match as recognition of her achievement. Other recipients of the prestigious award include UEFA President Lennart Johansson, FIFA President Joseph S Blatter, and Finnish legend Jari Litmanen. Litmanen is one of only two male players to reach the 100-cap mark, along with Ari Hjelm.

'Example for all'
Finland coach Michael Käld said Mäkinen's commitment was the key to her enduring success: "I have worked with Anne for six years, and she has always done her best for the team. There is not a single match or training session when she hasn't given her all. Anne is an example for all players, I am very happy she has reached her 100th cap."

Finnish progress
The Umeå IK player has helped Finland develop from minnows into a real force in European football, a status underlined by their progress to the UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™ semi-finals at the expense of Denmark and hosts England. After a decade and a half at the forefront of the Finnish game, Mäkinen is perfectly placed to comment on how the sport has changed. "A lot has happened in the women's game during the 15 years I have been playing in the national team," she said. "Today the game is much faster, players are more technical and the level of professionalism has risen."

Professional dream
Mäkinen achieved her goal of playing professionally in 2001 when, after four seasons with the University of Notre Dame, she was the top draft pick by United States league team Washington Freedom. "The day that dream came true was pretty amazing, knowing that finally women could play as professionals," said Mäkinen.