| The Finland National Football Team does not have a particularly
distinguished history. Never have we qualified for a major tournament and
for many years the amateur status of the game in Finland combined with a
small population and a preference for sports such as Ice Hockey meant that
the National team could never seriously challenge amongst other nations.
However, in recent years the National Team has made significant
improvements. During the 1980s a handful of Finnish players would play their
football abroad, but throughout the 90s that number grew substantially.
Players such as Mika-Matti Paatelainen making a name for themselves in
Europe. This benefited the National team enourmously, bringing a greater
level of experience and technical ability to the side.
The first Finnish footballing superstar was Jari Litmanen. During the early
to mid 1990s he became one of the leading players in Europe, culminating in
becoming the first Finn to play, and win in a Champions League Final with
Ajax in 1995. His influence on the National team and the standing of the
game in Finland cannot be underestimated. Not only did Finland now have a
World class player but his success raised the status and interest levels of
the game in Finland, and inspired younger players.
Finland almost made the breakthrough in qualifying for the 1998 World Cup
finals. In October 1997 Finland needed a victory at home to Hungary to
secure a place in the play offs for the Finals. Antti Sumiala gave Finland
the lead and in driving rain Finland hung on. Deep into injury time Hungary
had a corner, a shot was cleared off the line but struck the stranded
goalkeeper Moilanen to roll agonisingly into the net. The crowd fell silent,
the Finnish players sunk to their knees. The dream was over. The only
consolation was that for Finland the dream was getting closer and closer to
reality.
Finland have finished third in their last two qualifying campaigns. In Euro
200 qualification they beat Turkey 3-1 in Turkey and in World Cup 2002
qualification they drew 2-2 and 0-0 with World Cup finalists Germany in
between thrashing Greece 5-1 in Helsinki.
Finland now has a team that call on players such as Pasanen, Kolkka,
Nurmela, Tainio, Hyypiä, Saarinen, and Tihinen, as well as Litmanen who are
all regularly involved in Champions League and UEFA Cup football. Finland
also has some players playing in the Premiership Niemi, Jääskelainen,
Enckelman and Johansson.
Finland are now hopefully in a strong position to finally qualify for a
major tournament in the near future.
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