Finland will feature at Euro 2025 this summer with high hopes and belief. Two decades after reaching the semi-final of the tournament, the Boreal Owls are looking to build on previous success, reaching new heights on the international stage.
Despite a qualification campaign that exceeded expectations, Helmarit faced a shock second place group finish in their UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign. With several key players sidelined with injury, head coach Marko Saloranta’s starting eleven was compromised. However, their return to the EUROs squad amplifies their chances of progression to the knockouts.
Captain, Tinja-Riikka Korpela could be embarking on her final major tournament with her teammates. Will they exceed expectations to fulfil their skipper’s legacy and near penultimate round?
A rollercoaster of recent form ahead of Euro 2025
In Finland’s Euro 2025 qualification campaign, Finland beat Scotland 2-0 on aggregate to secure their spot in the tournament. In the away leg, Helmarit struggled to score past Scotland in a 0-0 draw. With a major tournament at stake, they stepped up in the second round. The home advantage and Finnish crowds saw them qualify with goals from Kuikka and Lehtola. A celebratory win for the nation.
However, the Nations League became a hurdle for Saloranta’s Finnish side. Facing Serbia, Hungary and Belarus in Group B3, it is safe to say Finland underestimated the opposition. Only three of six matches ended in three points, leaving them in second place. A group finish that shocked the nation, slightly dampening the high of euros qualification.
Recently, the national team have been in promising form. Three in their last five matches ended in victory, giving Hermarit a confidence boost ahead of the group stages. Despite a narrow 2-1 defeat to the Netherlands earlier this month, they showed a collectivity and determination that could be vital in their progression to the knockouts.
Finland players to watch at Euro 2025
Natalia Kuikka has proved a standout player for her nation. During the euro qualifiers, Kuikka played an average of ninety minutes per match, proving a key component of the defence. Her defensive instincts and drive to protect the net are qualities that make her worthy of her spot. Unlike her teammates, Kuikka plays in the States for Chicago Stars. This is a new level of experience in club football that sets her apart from her competition. Despite suffering a knee sprain against Serbia that left her fitness and recovery in a race against time, she booked her place on the plane earlier this month. She is certainly an experienced defender to learn from.
On the other hand, Lilli Halttunen is a young and promising Finnish talent. Aged only nineteen, the young forward has been on Saloranta’s radar ahead of team selection. The striker plays in the Damallsvenskan for Linköpings FC. With youth on her side, her energy and footwork awarded her a regular spot in her club’s starting eleven. On an international stage, her fast-paced movement and intelligence in a one v one situation encourage her to step up. She is clearly capable of being the super sub that Finland desires to perplex from their opponents.
One midfielder who must not be overlooked is Tottenham Hotspur’s Evelina Summanen. Her intuition and vision to send balls forward, alongside her sublime free kick reputation, automatically cement her spot in the squad. Summanen has been a regular for her nation for almost a decade: reaching seventy-five international caps. However, having spent prolonged spells on the sidelines throughout the season, her return to full fitness is a huge relief. Overall, there is a strong merit in the leadership she exudes from the midfield. The euros is no easy competition, so the midfield maestro will need to be on the top her game, converting her free kicks effortlessly.
Finally, there is something to be said for choosing a strong captain. Wearing the armband for Helmarit is Korpela. The number one is a constant between the sticks. From the back, she guides her team through the ninety minutes and protects the scoreline. At thirty-nine years of age, Korpela is one of the most experienced professionals amongst all nations. Over a century of appearances in white and blue signify her presence and dominance that phases oppositional attacks. This tournament could be her final outing on the international stage; making it count is the only option.
A group stage with luck on their side
With countless experienced nations preparing for the tournament, Helmarit could see their group as a blessing. Whilst no nation is a guaranteed victory, group A opens up Finland’s door to the knockouts. Although, their opponents should not be underestimated: Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland, the host nation.
Surprisingly, according to the FIFA World Rankings, Finland sit lower than their competitors on paper. However, all four teams have faced some rocky form in recent months. In a similar position to Finland, Iceland grafted tirelessly to earn their place as one of sixteen competitors. With nothing to lose, every nation will play with a hunger for success. So, how will Finland outsmart their opponents?
Switzerland may prove the toughest to beat in the group stages. Playing in their home nation, their football is expected to be on a whole new level. Saloranta needs to devise a tactical plan to fade out the cheers of the home crowds and focus upon Helmarit’s dreams of the last-eight.
On the plane to Switzerland
Therefore, can a nation with so much belief and promise showcase their best performances yet at Euro 2025? Several nations are missing vital players: England, Germany and Switzerland, to name a few. Whereas Finland have secured a strong twenty-three player squad, without renowned names absent through injury.
Under Saloranta, Helmarit will rely on the possession football, where possible. Slotting balls through the midfield and gambling on the counter-attacking opportunities to put themselves ahead. The group have one goal and remain grounded as they embark on the journey across Europe.
Will they have déjà vu to reach the semi-finals and exceed the expectations of the footballing community, or will they fall at the first hurdle faced under the pressure of a major tournament?
