Finland National Team

[dark_horse]

Finland take heart from past success

Finland winger Joonas Kolkka hopes his side can emulate a previous success against Portugal as they target the win that would almost certainly seal their place at a first major tournament.

'Good memories'

Finland thrashed Portugal 4-1 in Porto in March 2002 and another victory on Wednesday at the Estadio do Dragao should be enough to secure qualification for UEFA EURO 2008. "Of course we remember that," the NAC Breda winger said. "We scored when we had the chance and the Portuguese players seemed surprised. Good memories, certainly."

'Match to remember'

With the aspirations of a nation resting on Roy Hodgson's side, Kolkka is desperate to provide another magic moment. "This will be a match we remember for a long time to come," said the 33-year-old. "Hopefully the memories will be positive. This is the kind of game we have dreamed about. We still have a chance and we will do our utmost to grab it."

'Great opportunity'

Second-placed Portugal are three points above Finland in Group A and will join leaders Poland in next month's finals draw should they avoid defeat. Finland, who drew 1-1 with Portugal in Helsinki in September 2006, must win and hope Serbia drop points in their remaining games at home to both Poland and Kazakhstan to progress. With no fresh injuries or suspensions, a slight delay with their flight was the only setback affecting the squad on Monday. Arguably, the pressure is all on Portugal. "It would be a catastrophe if they were to miss the EURO," Werder Bremen defender Petri Pasanen said. "For us though, this is a great opportunity."

[dark_horse]

This is good news for Finland, but bad news for Olympiakos.

Injured Almeida to miss Portugal finale

Portugal forward Hugo Almeida will miss Wednesday's UEFA EURO 2008 Group A decider against Finland at the Estadio do Dragao because of a torn muscle in his right thigh.

Three weeks out

The 23-year-old Werder Bremen player, who scored the only goal of Saturday's qualifying victory against Armenia, underwent tests today which revealed the extent of an injury that could keep him sidelined for three weeks. He will also sit out Bremen's UEFA Champions League game against Real Madrid CF on 28 November. SL Benfica striker Nuno Gomes is expected to replace Almeida against Finland, though CS Maritimo's Ariza Makukula is also in contention. Portugal need only a point to qualify, but will miss out should they lose.

[dark_horse]

Finland nearly missed out on going to Euro 2008. There run comes to a close. Thank you Finland for your efforts, maybe they need to change this team around.

[Morphi]

At least, Finland had a proper English coach :whistle:

[dark_horse]

At least, Finland had a proper English coach :whistle:

He's no longer coaching for Finland.

That also means players like Hyypia, Litmanen, Thininen, Nurmela, are all retiring after the qualifyer.