Mixed fortunes for Finland

Finland enjoyed contrasting fortunes in their two games against Scotland, winning the first but losing the second. Goals from Taru Laihanen and Annica Sjölund secured a 2-1 victory in their first match, but Sunday's game – played at the Myyrmäki Indoor Arena – ended in a 1-0 reverse for Jarmo Matikainen’s side.

Enforced changes
Depiste losing Peppiina Pentti to a fever just before today's match, which led to a tactical reshuffle, the home side were in control from the first whistle and it was only an inspired performance from Scotland goalkeeper Emma Mills which kept the Finns at bay.

Double save
In front of almost 1,000 spectators, Essi Sainio had the best chance of the first half as she collected Anna Viilma's pass, but Mills palmed out her first effort and then reacted quickly to block Sainio's second strike with her legs.

Sjölund denied
Sjölund headed wide just before the break, and the same player went close twice in quick succession early in the second half. First, her header from a corner bounced back off the crossbar and then, with Sjölund seemingly certain to score from the rebound, Jayne Sommerville was on hand to clear off the line.

Late winner
Finland continued to fail to make the most of the chances they created, and were made to pay for their profligacy four minutes from time. Neea Berg was dispossessed in midfield, allowing Leanne Crichton to burst forward. Her powerful strike from distance curved over Finnish goalkeeper Minna Meriluoto and dropped into the net for what proved to be the winner.

'Excellent preparation'
"We have played two really good international matches, which have been excellent preparation for the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship," Matikainen said. "I am sorry for the players, because they deserved to win. However, our game looked good and now we just have to put the ball to the net from our chances."

'Sour to lose'
Nelli Berg, playing in an unfamiliar defensive role, excelled with her passing and dribbling, but the Finnish captain was in modest mood. "I was a bit nervous in the beginning, because this was my first time in that position," she said. "I had a few successes in the beginning, and did not think about position after that. We played a good game, but I am a bit sour after losing the match."