Finland started the first game day of the e-Football World Cup qualifiers in a model way in Group D. Thursday’s four matches went without a defeat, as Finland drew 1–1 against both England and Sweden, and won over Switzerland and Romania.
The “Penguins” went to the playoff stage of the FIFA Nations Series well prepared, which was also reflected in the results on the server. Finland’s trio of players Anton “anzinho” Korvenaho, JC “kosu72” Kosamo and Jeremias “jerkos” Kosamo didn’t lose a single match, so Finland are joint top of the group with England after the opening day.
Finland faced England in the first match of the day. Brother duo Jesse and Jeremias Kosamo started out as a Finnish couple. The brothers started the match quickly and Finland took an early 1–0 lead. However, England managed to equalize fairly quickly. Although Finland controlled the match, there were no extra hits and thus the score was split 1–1.
There was no change in the lineup for the second match against Switzerland. Finland looked headed for an easy win in this match when they took a 0-2 lead. However, Switzerland scored two easy goals in the second half to level the match at 2–2. Finland didn’t get intimidated by it but finished a wonderful curling drive into the back top corner. In the end, Switzerland still had their positions, but Kosamoi’s defense collapsed and Finland secured a crucial early victory with a 3–2 goal.
The third match against Romania also started with the same pair. The first half saw accurate play from both sides, scoring a goal each. In the second half, Finland forcibly turned the match for themselves when ‘super sub’ Weghorst, who had reached cult status, scored two goals. Thus, Finland got their second win of the day by defeating Romania 3–1.
In the last match of the day, world ranking No. 3 i.e. Sweden came face to face. The Finnish coaching staff relied on the same players and did not replace Korvenaho after winning two matches. Sweden was as good as expected in the match, playing really elegant and disciplined. The match was tied 1–0 for Sweden after the first half. Towards the end of the second half, Finland increased their pressure and were able to control the ball better. About five minutes before the end of actual playing time, after a somewhat lucky bounce, Finland found a draw from inside the box and didn’t miss the chance. The game ended with these reading 1–1 and Finland continued on Friday without a loss.
Source: Pallito’s website
