Historic days for Finnish football - a year and a half after they achieved their first placement in a major competition, Marku Kanerva's boys have a chance to achieve their first placement in the knockout phase.
That, "quantitatively", looks so close - a point is most likely enough for them to achieve a historic endeavour, but essentially, not quite - the opponent is, namely, Belgium, one of the strongest teams at the Euros.
The "Red Devils" secured a place in the second stage, the Finns may have hoped that Roberto Martinez would send them a combined team, but the announcements are not like that, on the contrary - the Spanish expert on the bench of the Belgians is preparing to make the line-up that started the matches with Russia and Denmark "reinforcing" the biggest stars, Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Axel Witzel, who started from the bench in the first two matches.
For the Belgians, a point is enough to confirm the first place, and the Finns, despite this, are hoping for a miracle.
- This is the most important match in the history of Finnish football. We can even win the group! It's fantastic that we found ourselves in this situation and we really enjoy the challenge - said Finnish coach Kanevra.
The Belgians have no intention of giving up...
- It is a privilege to be the first in the group. Maybe the second place brings an easier schedule, but in football you never know what awaits you and that's why we want the first position - said goalkeeper Belgium Thibaut Courtois.
If the Belgians win at least a point and are first, they will most likely play against Switzerland in the round of XNUMX. If they finish second, Wales awaits them.
Probable lineups -
Finland (3-5-2): Hradecki - O'Shaughnessy, Arajuri, Toivio - Uronen, Kamara, Sparv, Kauko, Raitala - Puki, Lod.
Belgium (3-4-3): Courtois - Aldeweireld, Denayer, Vertonghen - Meniej, De Bruyne, Witzel, Carrasco - Mertens, Lukaku, Hazard.
Bonus video:
