Finland led the match at halftime, but eventually had to bow out.
TERO TURUNEN / SAJL
Finland fought hard in the American football women’s World Cup semifinal match against the United States.
However, Finland eventually had to succumb 10–28 (10–7). The United States clinched the final spot with the smallest point difference in its history.
Finland started the semi-final strongly and led the match 10–7 at the break.
Laura Pulkkinen led Finland to a 3–0 lead with a field goal. At the same time, the scoring performance was the first that Finland has ever managed to do against the Americans.
Dajah Scott did however a touchdown On a 15-yard run in the closing seconds of the first quarter. Titti Kuusinen gave Finland the lead again midway through the second quarter with a five-yard touchdown run.
Thus, for the first time in the history of the Women’s World Cup, the United States had to go into halftime with a deficit.
However, the USA was strong in the second half and Dajah Scott as well Adriana Gutierrez succeeded a touchdown in the act. Scott scored two in the second half touchdown and a total of three in the entire match touchdown.
The combined point difference between the two previous meetings between the United States and Finland was previously as much as 120–0.
On Sunday, Finland will face the loser of the semifinal match between Canada and Great Britain in the bronze medal game.