Santeri Hostikka plays the best football in his career.
Santeri Hostikka (right) settled with two goals for HJK. Kimmo Brandt / EPA / AOP
Santeri Hostikka There was one smile after the Runavík match.
HJK set off for a fierce chase a week ago after the crushing defeat, but after the opening period it was only 1-0 for the hosts.
The Faroe Islanders still led 4-1.
In that moment the club’s head coach Miika Nuutinen turned to Hostika.
– I got instructions that I go to the field and score. We needed three goals. I was left with it so I could bring one to one threat, Hostikka told Iltalehti.
Hostikka had just improved from pneumonia. It was clear that the attacker would not be able to play full 90 minutes.
– I’m still recovering. Of course, I couldn’t start, and I didn’t have to play for half an hour, he continued.
– I’ve been on the bed for two weeks. I tried to bring my own strengths to the field.
An important 3-0 goal came from Hostika’s Lapikka 79 minutes into the match.
– I tried to get my leg free and get into the box. At that point we needed one goal.
The ball went into the net the mill Kristian Joensen after groping. Everything is counted.
– The opponent probably had a bit of panic because they were under one man. There was pressure in both directions.
In overtime
Although the hostess is still recovering, he was overtime. HJK won the actual game time 4-0, which meant that the match pair had to be sought during the overtime.
Right at the beginning of it, Hostikka decided to try a free kick from 25 meters.
The ball curved in a handsome arc into the back corner.
– I believed in the place of the match right at the start of the match. We had a hard credit. You can’t be afraid of these games. All you have to do is enjoy and be aggressive.
HJK finally won 5-0. The joint goals were recorded for it 5-4, and this will continue its euro adventure next week as it travels to Bulgaria as a guest of Arda Kardzhal.
Before that, however, take a moment.
– Such ups rarely come.
HJK players thanked their supporters after the victory. Kimmo Brandt / EPA / AOP
Head coach Nuutinen praised Hostika on the eve of the match. As a result, he was even in half -fit on the field.
– It feels good. Miika’s style of play fits me and we have a good team around that. It’s nice to play, Hostikka said.
– I’ve been able to challenge this year and make the last decisions more. Of course, I am looking for those places.
Naturally, the crushing victory and the euro extension are also a big feather hat for a temporary coach Nuutinen.
“We set out with the idea that miracles can only happen to those who believe,” he said.
– Awesome team. That faith was involved throughout the week. Of course, everything happens in the game and it has time to be disappointed many times when the paint did not come.
HJK now has to recover from the cloud of the cloud to the ground. Before the Bulgarian trip, the team still needs to take care of the Veikkausliiga match against Oulu.
– Incredible performances today from our players. I can’t be more proud and glad that the prize finally came.
– I was thinking about the next round tomorrow, Nuutinen decided.