Finland keep match sharpness

By Antti Salo

With the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship finals one week away, Finland's players are still involved in domestic action.

Mixed feelings
The Finnish women's league ends this weekend, and coach Jarmo Matikainen has mixed feelings about his charges taking part. "All our girls are old enough to play for a women's team," he said. "The last round of the Finnish league is a bit close to Wednesday, when we play our first Women's U19 Championship match. On the other hand, I know my players are in good shape and are sharp."

Short preparations
He added: "We meet on Sunday in Helsinki. We will train in the afternoon, and after that we will take a look at what the tournament holds for us. The squad flies to Hungary on Monday."

Training camps
Although the players have had club commitments, Matikainen has been able to hold two training camps. The first was at Eerikkila at the end of May, where they played practice matches within the squad and against younger boys' teams.

Scottish trip
The next get-together was during the midsummer holiday and Matikainen says it was crucial. "We were in Scotland," he said of the trip, where they lost 2-1 to their hosts in Glasgow then won 3-0 two days later. "That camp was very important for us. We had two good games against one of the teams in finals. I'd say that camp was necessary for our team."

Experience gained
Finland, as hosts, made their finals debut last year, losing all three matches. However, that experience was useful, Matikainen insists. "There are a few girls left from last year's tournament, and a few younger and talented players who are going to be able to play at this level next year as well. There is a great atmosphere and spirit in the team. We went through two tough and difficult qualification tournaments which has bonded us together."

Group A tests
Indeed, qualifying was not easy. But first Portugal, Slovakia and Serbia and Montenegro were beaten, then the Netherlands and Greece - with Wales being the only side to hold Finland en route to the finals. Matikainen's team start their campaign against Switzerland, who defeated them last year, in Papa on Wednesday before playing the hosts. However, it is their final Group A opponents who most concern the coach, even if he believes his charges can make the semi-finals and gain a place in next year's world championship in Russia.

'Classy' Germany
"Germany are Germany," he said. "Their team are terribly classy. They are favourites to win the tournament. Switzerland are always in the final round. They do an excellent job there and have a few great players. Hungary are hosts with lots to offer. The team is full of skilled individuals. They could even get to the final. But we believe that second place in the group is going to be ours."