Finns look to lethal Kalmari

By Michael Harrold & Andreas Alf

Laura Kalmari's rise to the top of the women's game reflects that of her country. And having played a significant role in taking Finland to the 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship, she is intent on making her side feel at home at the highest level.

'Right level'
"Playing for Finland in this tournament is my chance to show the world how good I am," the 26-year-old striker told uefa.com. "And it is my country's chance to prove that this level is the right one for us."

Experienced trio
Finland may be playing in their first major finals, but with the likes of Kalmari, Anne Mäkinen and Sanna Valkonen in the side experience will not be in short supply. All three are approaching 100 caps and are capable of unsettling some of the tournament's bigger names, as they proved in defeating Russia in the play-offs to qualify.

'Key players'
Kalmari won the plaudits after scoring the only goal in the first leg against Russia, but she is keen to spread the praise widely. "I'm one of the key players for Finland, but truly not the only one," she said. "Midfielder Anne Mäkinen is our leader and centre-back Sanna Valkonen is very important in defence. She's one of the best in Europe."

Successful ambassador
So too is Kalmari, who has long been a successful ambassador for her country. She averages a goal every five games but is known as much for her skill and touch. Playing just behind strike partner Heidi Kackur, Kalmari is adept at finding space and is particularly dangerous running at defenders.

Leading scorer
Kalmari took Finnish football by storm at HJK Helsinki, where she finished as the nation's top scorer for three straight seasons during the capital club's domination at the turn of the century. Success followed her to America in 2001 where she won the W1-League title with the Boston Renegades, before helping Umeå IK to the 2002 Swedish title and the UEFA Women's Cup the following year.

Unknown quantity
She was joint top scorer of the Swedish Damallsvenskan in 2004 with 22 goals, then moved on to Djurgården/Älvsjö. Success on the international stage, though, has been slower in coming. Kalmari made her international debut on 11 March 1996 against Iceland at the age of 16, and has been a mainstay ever since. However, the finals in England are a step in the dark.

'Nothing to lose'
"It's the first time we've played in a final tournament, so it's an extremely big thing for Finland," she said. "Women's football in Finland is growing, but the development is very slow. We have nothing to lose - nobody is expecting anything from us." But Kalmari has grown accustomed to success and has not come to England to make up the numbers. Should Finland get beyond the group stage, Kalmari believes the impact could be felt for years to come.

'Big honour'
"I really hope and believe our performance in England will generate another boom for our sport," she said. "I really love football and it's a big honour to have an impact on the development in my country. Maybe we can influence some young Finnish players to go for it and become professionals. This would be very nice!" It would also rank highly among Kalmari's long list of achievements, and help ensure Finland's first final appearance will not be their last.