Courtesy: The Fa

Finns sink England

Wednesday, 08 February 2006


England vs Finland 3-7


International Friendly

Bisham Abbey

Tuesday 07 February 2006

England's first home match of 2006 ended in a sobering 7-3 loss at the hands of Finland on Tuesday night.

Playing in front of a capacity crowd at Bisham Abbey, England were defeated by a well organised side who weathered long periods of English possession before punishing their opponents on the counter-attack.

Long cold winters in Finland means Futsal is well established and this experience could be seen in organised and skilful team play.

The evening had begun optimistically for Graeme Dell's England with the team hoping for their first international victory.

England opened with a sustained period of possession, but with a goal that was to typify the match Finland scored on the counter-attack through Jani Modig.

England responded quickly when St Alban's Matt Hann lashed in a half-volley following an excellent through ball from former FA National School graduate Michael Lyons.

Finland however retook the lead when Modig siezed on a poor pass and chipped keeper Eric Pudaloff from his own half.

In the second half Finland's Henri Lehtonen demonstrated his class with a hat-trick of goals - the pick of which was a volley direct from a corner.

England could not be faulted for effort and commitment but did not have the guile to find their way past a deep lying Finnish defence. The visitors continued to turn the screw with further goals from Salmi and Laitinen.

But England deservedly gained some reward for their commitment with two late goals from Bath City's Alex Sykes and Salisbury Town's Alex Haddow.

England have a chance to avenge the defeat when they line-up against the same opponents tonight, with kick-off at 5pm.

England: Pudaloff, Canham, Bridgwater, Ursell, Gallen, Lyons, Sykes, Husband, Haddow, Hann, Harris Atkinson, Lake, Allman.



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com