Finland 0-1 Russia
Russia got their Euro 2020 campaign off the mark at Saint Petersburg on Wednesday after a workmanlike performance gave them a 1-0 win over Finland.
Aleksei Miranchuk gave his side a first-half lead with a superb individual goal, but that was the only moment of real quality in a scrappy game with little goalmouth action.
After the scare involving Christian Eriksen on Saturday, when the Danish star collapsed and was given CPR on the pitch, Euro 2020: Finland vs Russia was a great opportunity to enjoy Group B again, now that the Inter Milan man is on the road to recovery.
But after Finland’s historic win over Denmark, they never really looked like troubling the Russians, and it wasn’t a particularly convincing showing from the victors. But it’s a big three points for Russia who draw level with their opponents.
Highlights of the game
Finland thought they had made the perfect start to the game when a brilliant cross from wingback Jukka Raitala was met by Joel Pohjanpalo, who scored Finland’s winner against Denmark, and he planted his header into the corner of the net. It was an excellent piece of play, a whipped in first-time cross and a lethal header; take a look at the Finland vs Russia highlights, the Union Berlin striker was a nose offside.
After losing their opener to Belgium Russia were looking for lift-off in this game and they had a couple of chances midway through the opening half, but neither side showed much craft in the final third until the hosts finally found that moment of quality, two minutes into first-half injury time when Atalanta’s 25-year-old midfielder, Miranchuk, gave Russia a precious half time lead with a brilliant goal. He picked up the ball on the right side of the penalty area then cut inside and curled the ball past the Iceland defence and into the top left corner.
Before the half-time whistle blew Russia almost made it two when captain Artem Dzubya almost netted his 30th international goal with a powerful header, but Lukas Hradecky saved. The pre-match Finland vs Russia betting odds backed a Russia win at odds of 1.68 and after a first-half which was more substance than style Stanislav Cherchesov’s men had done just about enough to get their noses in front.
Finland top scorer Teemu Pukki had been quiet in the first 45 minutes, but he came to life after the break. Robin Lod did well in midfield to see off a challenge before sliding the ball through to Pukki, but before he could pull the trigger Igor Diveyev slid in to tackle. It looked like a penalty and Pukki appealed, but VAR didn’t intervene. The Norwich City man had another chance a minute later, cutting in onto his right foot, but he shot straight at the keeper.
Russia should have doubled their lead when Miranchuk slotted a great ball through to Rifat Zhemaletdinov but the Lokomotiv Moscow striker screwed his shot inches wide when he really should have hit the target, and then Hradecky made a brilliant save to deny Daler Kuzyayev following a fast Russia break.
The second goal didn’t come; and so Russia were happy to hear the final whistle when it blew, particularly after Paulus Arajuuri had a late chance for Finland, but his header looped over the bar.
Key statistics
Miranchuk’s goal was the only shot on target in the first half, and that made it the longest we’ve had to wait for a shot on target so far at Euro 2020.
The second half was marginally better as Russia’s shots on target count climbed to three while Finland managed just one.
In terms of head to head results, Russia have now won the last five meetings with Finland, scoring 16 goals and conceding just one.
And the defeat was Finland’s seventh in their last eight games, in all competitions.
What’s next?
Here at SBOTOP, we’ll be back with more action tomorrow when there will be an emotional return for Denmark as they face Belgium. The Red Devils are the FIFA best-ranked team in the world and striker Romelu Lukaku has made a great start to the campaign with a double strike against Russia. But it won’t be a surprise if neutrals around the world are cheering on the Danes.
The final round of Group B takes place next Monday, June 21st when Markku Kanerva’s Finland have another chance to get the point they need to have a chance to progress in the tournament…but they face Roberto Martinez’ Belgium, while Russia have their final game against Denmark.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
