FINLAND will be aiming to carry on the momentum following their their bittersweet win over Denmark.
They travel to the Krestovsky Stadium to take on neighbouring rivals Russia on match day two.
The Finns survived a Denmark onslaught to win 1-0 thanks thanks to a second half goal from Joel Pohjanpalo.
Russia will be looking to bounce back following their horrendous start after a 3-0 thumping against Belgium and you can watch all the action from St Petersburg on BBC One at 2pm today.
What’s the form?
Finland’s victory over the Danes saw Markku Kanerva’s side end a six-game winless run across all competitions – as well as bouncing back from two friendly defeats before the Euros kicked off.
Much was made as to whether it was right to continue play after Denmark’s Christian Eriksen suffered from cardiac arrest in the opening first minutes.
However, upon hearing the reassuring news that the 29-year-old was in a stable condition after being carried away to hospital – both teams are said to have elected to continue play before Finland emerged as victors.
Russia meanwhile failed to lay a glove on Belgium in their opening fixture and can be releieved that it wasn’t more than the 3-0 it ended up.
Cherchesov’s side were never expected to spring a surprise against Belgium on their own turf – however they cannot afford another no show.
Who’s in and who’s out?
Finland’s Sauli Vaisanen had to be withdrawn from the tournament before their win over Denmark due to injury, while defender Nikolai Alho is slightly doubtful as he battles a reported ankle sprain.
No reported injuries were made during their clash against the Danes so the Fins could opt to start the exact same XI against Russia.
Russia on the other hand will be without veteran defender Yuri Zhirkov due to a calf injury sustained right before half time in their clash against Belgium, whilst Daler Kuzyaev will defintely miss out after a nasty clash of heads with Timothy Castagne.
There is some good news though with much optimism over the fitnesses of Igor Diveev and Fyodor Kudryashov.
Who to watch out for
Russia’s Artem Dzyuba. The Zenit St.Petersburg striker has netted 26 goals for club and country already this season and at 6ft 4in, will surely provide much discomfort for Finland’s back-line.
Norwich journeyman Teemu Pukki will be the one to watch for Finland and will be encouraged by the room Russia gave the Belgian strikers.
If the game’s rubbish…
Go back and watch what Finland fans did whilst Christian Eriksen was receiving medical help.
Finland supporters were filmed shouting the name ‘Christian’ and the Danish fans completed it by chanting ‘Eriksen’.
Here’s a video of the scenes:
Finnish fans also threw flags towards the players huddling over Eriksen to provide the player privacy whilst receiving treatment, which has received worldwide praise.
Fancy a punt
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds:
- Finland to win 9/2
- Russia to win 8/13
- Draw 13/5
Euro 2020 outright odds:
- Finland 250/1
- Russia 100/1
*All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
