Jacob Friis, head coach of the Huuhkaja, was happy to receive the guest victory.
Finland’s head coach Jacob Friis reminded that victory was the most important thing about the World Cup qualifier. EPA / AOP
Finland started its World Cup qualifier with a 1-0 away win in Malta.
It was then the only positive contribution to the opening match. The tiny home team would have taken all the points with a better finish.
– We can immediately agree that it was not a beautiful performance. We fought for life. Such is sometimes needed in football, head coach Jacob Friis acknowledged immediately after the match.
– In particular, it is needed when there is a long tube for winning matches. Then it is very rare for a new time to start with a great football.
The only goal of the match was created in 38 minutes, when Oliver Antman Continued to the Maltese Veskar’s ball into the net. After that, it was still exciting for almost an hour to see if the skipper should Lukas Hradecky zero at your own end.
– I said I was expecting a difficult match where we had to fight for victory. I was realistic. It was not beautiful, but we got three points.
Malta also has a new head coach. Italian Emilio de Leo has practically transformed the entire team’s way of playing.
It could also surprise Frisa.
– We had to make small changes.
The Finnish players lost almost all duels. That’s why the match became so difficult.
-It’s a really long time since my team does not win virtually any 50-50 balls. It was frustrating. We were behind in every situation.
– But we must not be black and white. There were things I liked in the match.
The Huuhkajan qualifier will continue on Monday in Lithuania, where the resistance is at least harder on paper.
But so should Finland.
– We have a lot to improve. There were things in this match that we can bring to the next game. We must not be too critical.
– It’s a guest game again. We were nervous today, so hopefully we will get rid of it and win the duels.