Finland get down to business

By Sami Terävä

Finland coach Michael Käld has told his players that preparations for WOMEN'S EURO 2005 begin in earnest this week after naming a 22-strong squad for a three-day training camp.

Media attention
The party will gather at the Eerikkilä Sports Institute on Wednesday, still buoyed by the media attention that their play-off victory against Russia in October generated. However, Käld, who signed a new two-year contract last month and aims to reach at least the semi-finals, has stressed that all euphoria must now cease.

Fitness tests
Käld, whose side will learn their June opponents next Wednesday, said: "We have three days for testing the players' fitness, and we will compare the results with the previous tests. Moreover, we will discuss the goals for 2005, and start working to be ready for EURO 2005."

Mäkinen excused
The only major absentee in a familiar-looking squad is experienced midfield player Anne Mäkinen, who is in the process of leaving the United States to join Swedish club Umeå IK. Käld said: "This camp is mainly for the players who were in the team during 2004. In early February we will check more players, as the purpose is to see roughly 45 individuals. Although we have a solid squad, there is still potential outside the team to be examined."

Junkkari selected
However, one new face is goalkeeper Virva Junkkari, recently transferred to HJK Helsinki from S.S. Lazio. Käld said: "It is good to see Virva. She deserves a chance in the national team. I am really looking forward to having her with us."

Finland squad
Satu Kunnas, Satu Peltonen, Virva Junkkari, Petra Vaelma, Eveliina Sarapää, Laura Kivistö, Heidi Matinlassi, Sanna Valkonen, Tiina Salmén, Heidi Ahonen, Miia Niemi, Minna Mustonen, Linda Lindqvist, Jessica Julin, Sanna Malaska, Anna-Kaisa Rantanen, Heidi Kackur, Laura Kalmari, Sanna Talonen, Jessica Thorn, Jaana Lyytikäinen, Annina Åman.