Finland take positives from Wales trip

UEFA WOMEN's EURO 2009™ hosts Finland brought their 2008 friendly campaign to a close with a 1-1 draw against Wales on Friday, having beaten the same opposition 2-1 in the opening game of their double-header two days earlier.

Improved display
Finland dominated both matches but were let down by profligacy in front of goal. They fell behind to a first-half Helen Lander goal in Port Talbot on Wednesday, only for Annica Sjölund to strike twice in the second to seal the win. "You always deserve credit when coming from behind in an away game," said Finland coach Michael Käld. "This was much better than the performance against Scotland in August."

Ludlow leveller
The Finns followed up that success with a fifth-minute opener in Carmarthen today, Susanna Lehtinen racing clear of the home defence to score her first goal for her country. Although Arsenal LFC midfielder Jayne Ludlow headed Wales level, it was the visitors who finished the stronger.

Unbeaten run
"Obviously we're disappointed with the result, as I felt we were clearly the better team," said defender Tiina Salmén. "However, the way we pressed in the last 30 minutes was definitely a positive even if we couldn't score." With his side on a six-game run without defeat, Käld can look forward with confidence to Tuesday's draw for the 12-team final tournament in Helsinki.