Goalkeeper Petteri Rimpinen is playing himself into the hearts of Finns.
Petteri Rimpinen has played all of Finland’s games in the World Cup tournament. PDO
The goalkeeper Petteri Rimpinen, who represents Kiekko-Espoota in the League, played brilliantly again, when the Finnish under-20 national team defeated the United States in overtime in the first series game with numbers 4–3.
The United States is the defending age group world champion.
– It was a pretty amazing game from the team. Especially in the second set, it was really hard from end to end, it was a hard fight. We got an important victory over the Yankees, the guys are excited, it’s great.
The American team’s nerve control did not last and it sat for six of the two minutes. From time to time, the players’ hearth was on the rise.
Finland got under the Yankee players’ skin.
– We certainly got a little bit done. But at the same time, you have to keep your head cool, and we managed to do that quite well, said the Kirkkonummi native, who saved 40 times.
On the Finnish side
Jesse Kiiskinen scored one of Finland’s goals. AOP / TOMI NATRI
At the Canadian Tire Center in Ottawa, there were roughly 16,000 spectators. Finland was the spectators’ favorite team.
– You noticed it, it was quite loud now. They were clearly on our side, it was amazing.
The audience fell in love with Rimpinen’s few wonderful saves.
– Of course, it felt good that things are noticed and that there is support here as well, the goalkeeper thought.
Finland’s first two tournament games were a bit lackluster. Now the young men hit everything on the field and the game was excellent entertainment. The team was relaxed and had long attacks at the end of a tough opponent.
– I don’t know where the heart was dug up. Maybe more such relaxation was found, and that effort was put in there. In the middle of the day, we took it easy and trained, that’s probably where it came from.
The coaching staff of the Finnish team has not named the first goalkeeper. Rimpinen has played all the matches of the Young Lions, that’s the answer.
How does your body feel?
– Better than ever, the 18-year-old goalkeeper grinned.