Finland has conceded almost a hundred points in each of its matches in the World Cup tournament.
The attack led by Lauri Markkanen somehow works. Susijeng’s stumbling block has been defense. Jenni Gästgivar
Statistics don’t lie.
Finland lost all three of its opening group matches. Australia and Japan scored 98 points against Susijeng, and Germany broke 100 with their crushing victory on Tuesday (101–75).
– If the opponent makes a hundred pins, it makes it much more difficult to win. That way, not many games are won in this tournament, Mikael Jantunen confesses in the basement of the Okinawa arena.
In addition, Susijengi has slumped frighteningly right after the break. The points accumulated in the third quarters are the matches that decided this tournament.
Australia scored 25, Japan 27 and Germany now 29 points during them.
– Defense is our identity and we have to find it again. It’s quite pointless to go looking for an explanation. All 12 of us players have to play every situation a little harder and we are together in defense, Jantunen continued.
– Hard to say now. It comes from us. We know we can defend. You have to look in the mirror. Crying won’t help here.
Although Germany taught a lesson, in the end the result does not matter much. Susijeng’s real showdown is on Thursday, when they will likely face either Cape Verde or Venezuela in the opening game of the lower league.
– We really have a lot to prove as a group. Every game is a really big opportunity to learn. And we clearly need shared experiences, says Jantunen.
– We want to do well against the best teams in this tournament. There was nothing terrible to say against Germany today.
The wolf gang clearly has a leadership problem. Captain Shawn Huff and Petteri Koponen the gaps left have not been able to be filled.
– A lot of experience was lost with them. Maybe it will show. There are many different leaders in the team. Big boots to fill.
– We’ve seen up close how they lead and now we’ve got into that role quickly. It can be difficult at times.
Sports are like this. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. Finland has two more opportunities to seek a positive experience from Okinawa.
– A harsh lesson. No one necessarily wants to experience this.