Not Finnished: Captain hopes for Euro 2020 success

Finland have reached their first ever European Championship after beating Liechtenstein 3:0 in the penultimate match of European Qualifiers Group J.

Since their first attempt to qualify for a major tournament in 1938, Finland has failed and waited for 82 years. Not even former Finnish stars like Jari Litmanen, Sami Hyypia, or Jussi Jaaskelainen could achieve what captain Tim Sparv and his team did.

“It means everything. I have represented my country for the past 17 years and captained every age group from Under-15s to the senior team so it is a big part of my identity. I feel very proud of what we have achieved,“ Sparv said.

“I hope we can go the Euros and give our supporters a great experience by playing well against bigger and better opponents but at the same time also enjoying the ride.”

In 10 matches in Euro Qualifying Finland only conceded 10 goals, four against the group winners Italy. Finland conceded another four in a blow-out in Bosnia, where Finland lost 4:1 to the hosts.

“Defensively we are very solid. We have kept a lot of clean sheets during the campaign and that has been the key to our performances. We have a mix of experience and youth and a coaching staff that makes us part of the process,“ Sparv said.

FC Midtjylland midfielder also singled out their team‘s collective performance.

“It’s first and foremost a team. All the players are very humble and hard-working. Everybody has a role to play, no matter if you play or sit on the bench and we all support each other. We want the best for everyone,“ Sparv added.

Coach of Finland U-21s, Teemu Eskola, said that the national team only three years ago was a joke and the local media was harsh on them.

“In 2016, Finland did not win any national matches. Zero. FIFA ranking (94) was the worst in history.

It is still hard to believe that from these starting points a team was created that made Finnish football history,” Eskola said.

“Working together is our great asset. These players have been together at the very bottom. Now they are at the top and they enjoy it,” Eskola added.

Yet, Finland are not sleeping on success. Eskola suggests that the team have stepped into a tough area by qualifying for Euro 2020.

“It is a very tough tournament. We must work together to make sure we are not a one-hit wonder.

"There are only very good and excellent football teams. For us it will be a great adventure. Finland will be hard to beat for every team,” Eskola said.

Former manager of an English side Biggleswade United, Cristian Colas, who has coached U14 and U19 teams in Finland, says there are no limits for the debutants now.

“The success has been to qualify but now to continue growing they must not think that the success it’s just to participate. It can be a good example to look at Iceland. You must continue the path that has led you to success,“ Colas said.

In 2016 Iceland qualified for the Euros in France. The Vikings reached the quarter-finals while knocking out England in the process. Now Finland have their chance to perform.