Finland and Russia was the opening game of the second round of Fixtures in Kclr’s and Electrocity’s European Fifa 20 Championship
The first half was dominated by the stronger Russian side, and their passing technique was evident from the off. A nice routine ending up with the ball at Dzyuba’s feet only for him to not trouble Hradecky in goal for Finland. Russia wasn’t letting up as Miranchuk guided a beautifully weighted pass to Golovin, who seemed destined to score. Golovin look so assured we barely put any power behind the ball, and made things very easy for Hradecky.
Finland seemed to be lagging behind a spirited Russia, perhaps they celebrated too hard after they beat the Danish in the last round. Golovin was on hand to reign on their parade, after a well worked counter attack, he coolly chested the ball down and hit it on the half volley right passed the keepers left. The whistle blew for half time, with Finland not even registering a shot on goal.
When the second half was due to begin Finland seemed to rush back onto the pitch, with Russia being quite lackadaisical, perhaps thinking they had finished the job. The carefree attitude had an immediate effect on the game with the Russian players casually passing it among st themselves with Finland chased every ball down like a ravenous dog. It was only a matter of time before they force a mistake, which came at the hand of a dreadful pass from Semenov which was intercepted by Skrabb. The finish was never in doubt, Skrabb slotted it passed the keep easily, and now Russia were in trouble.
Russia learned if you make schoolboy errors at international level you will suffer. Pukki danced thru the defense to allow Finland to take the lead on the 64th minute. In all truth this seemed to be the nail in the coffin. Russia never recovered after the equalizer and now it was time for Finland to have some fun.
Skrabb made in two for him on 86 minutes and substitue Taylor making it four on 92 minutes. Finland now amazingly go top of the group, with their next game against Belgium. Russia have it all to play for against Denmark and need a good result if they want to be in with a chance of being in the top 4 of the 3rd placed teams.
