Haka finish on top

By Mikael Erävuori

The inevitable happened last weekend when FC Haka were crowned Veikkausliiga champions for the ninth time with two league matches still to play.

Worthy winners
A 13-match unbeaten run, in the course of which they won eleven times, meant Haka were worthy winners, having recovered from a poor start to the season. They clinched the title on Saturday in an exciting victory over Myllykosken Pallo-47 as a late penalty from Sami Ristilä secured a 4-3 win.

Mean defence
Haka's defence was the best in the league, conceding only 17 goals in 24 matches. In attack, goals came from all over the pitch with Toni Lehtinen scoring eleven, Valeri Popovich ten, and Ristila nine. And the club do not intend to rest on their laurels. Haka coach Olli Huttunen, now in his third season in charge, has already set the target of UEFA Champions League qualification for next year.

European ambitions
Last month Haka were beaten over two legs by Norwegian side Stabæk IF in the UEFA Cup second qualifying round and Huttunen is keen to see his side progress in Europe. "I hope to get a couple of new players into the squad," he said. "We will definitely want to defend the title in Finland, but Champions League qualification is also very important."

Battle for second
While Haka can look forward to entering the Champions League qualifying rounds next summer, there are UEFA Cup qualifying round places still to play for, one for the second-placed team in the league, the other for the cup winners. Tampere United occupy that position just two points above AC Allianssi in third. The clubs met on Wednesday, with the previously postponed match ending in a goalless draw.

HJK disappointment
If Turku clubs FC International Turku and FC TPS Turku still harbour hopes of pushing for second place, last season's double winners HJK Helsinki have suffered from a series of injuries and are destined for a disappointing mid-table finish. Meanwhile, the two clubs promoted last season, Tornion Pallo-47 and Rovaniemi PS, are assured of maintaining their Veikkausliiga status.

Relegation fight
At the bottom of the table, FC Hämeenlinna are on the brink of relegation. FC Jazz are also in danger of going down after a winless run of 13 matches. They look set to play off against the second-placed club in the first division, while KuPS Kuopio will return to the Veikkausliiga after just one season, having secured promotion at the weekend.

Attentions turns to cup
The league programme concludes on 2 October, at which point attention turns to the last four rounds of the Finnish Cup. The final will take place at the beginning of November.