Mäkinen the most of it

By Michael Harrold

At the age of ten Anne Mäkinen had already set her sights on a career in football. Nineteen years on she will spearhead Finland's challenge at the 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship. A Finnish national team, male or female, has never got this far before, but Mäkinen has always taken pride in breaking the mould.

Dream come true
"I set two goals when I was younger," Mäkinen told uefa.com. "I wanted to play professionally, and that goal I reached when I got the chance to play in the WUSA [Women's United Soccer Association]. I guess I'm a visionary; the day that came true was pretty amazing, knowing that finally we have a league, knowing that finally women could play as professionals.

Finnish first
"The other goal was to make it to a big tournament with the national team, and that's now been reached as well," Mäkinen continued. "We're the first Finnish team to make it to a big tournament and that will always be remembered. It's a nice feeling. I'm just looking forward to making the most of it."

Youthful ambitions
Making the most of it is something that comes naturally to the 29-year-old, who knew her intentions from an early age. When she walked out on a boys team after two years as goalkeeper – "I wanted to play outfield, I didn't want to be stuck in goal" – she was already formulating plans for the future. "When I was a child, I knew I wanted to put my time and effort into training. It's nice to look back and think all the hard work has paid off. Football has given me so much."

Pivotal figure
In turn Mäkinen has given so much back, particularly to Finland's cause. She leads by example, is the power that drives her country's midfield, strong defensively but with a mind to attack and an eye for goal. It was Mäkinen's 23rd-minute strike that opened the scoring and eased Finland's nerves in the second leg of their play-off victory against Russia that ensured a place in the finals.

American influence
Mäkinen plays her club football in Sweden for Umeå IK, who she joined last year after eight successful seasons in the United States. She speaks near-perfect English with a slight American twang, a souvenir from a land she still holds dear. "I'm definitely going back and will probably end up living there. I like the lifestyle, people are really open there and everyone has the chance to make the best out of their lives. If you’re willing to work hard, you’ll have success."

Important balance
Mäkinen certainly suceeded after winning a scholarship to play soccer at the University of Notre Dame in 1997. "It's never easy when you leave your country and enter a new world with a new language and customs," she says. "It was tough but it was the right choice for me. I realised that as a female soccer player you have to have an education. It was the best choice because I have an education but I was able to train almost like a pro. What you put into it is what you get out."

Professional step
After excelling for Notre Dame, champions in her four years between 1997 and 2000, Mäkinen fulfilled her first ambition when she stepped up to the professional league in 2000. Throughout her time abroad, though, Finland was never far from her mind. She considers playing for the national team "an honour", a sentiment that has not dimmed since she made her debut at 16 in 1991.

Century of caps
Mäkinen has 100 caps in her sights and hopes to bring up the century before contemplating retirement, saying: "That would be a nice number to reach, but we'll see. I'm turning 30 next year so it's time to start thinking of things other than soccer pretty soon."

Far-reaching impact
Nevertheless, Finland are currently making waves and Mäkinen knows she has much to live up to. "My mum has a hair salon and all her clients read about the team and talk about it. It's older ladies and people who aren't really interested in sports but they know I'm in the team."

'Amazing ride'
As word spreads of her team's exploits, Finland is beginning to sit up and take notice. This may be their first major finals, but with Mäkinen setting the example there may be more to follow. "It's been an amazing ride," Mäkinen says. For Finland, it is only just beginning.