Lethal Kalmari sinks Scotland

By Mikael Eravuori

Finland gave themselves a timely boost before UEFA WOMEN's EURO 2005™ on Friday by defeating Scotland 2-0 in their final friendly before the eight-nation tournament in England.

Kalmari goals
Michael Käld's side had been without a victory since defeating the Netherlands 1-0 in Las Palmas in February but returned to form with an impressive showing in front of 2,500 fans in Turku. Laura Kalmari, ineligible to play for her Swedish club Djurgården/Älvsjö in the second leg of their UEFA Women's Cup final tomorrow, scored both goals for the home side in the second half.

Kerr booked
Kalmari gave an early indication of her talent from range in the fourth minute, while Anne Mäkinen also went close soon after, shooting narrowly wide. The veteran midfield player was next to go close too, forcing a fine save from Scotland goalkeeper Gemma Fay. The visitors were on the ropes for the opening half-hour and defender Michelle Kerr was fortunate to see just yellow when felling Kalmari as she raced in on goal.

Fine finish
Scotland finally created an opening just before the break, but Finland goalkeeper Satu Kunnas brilliantly saved Suzanne Grand's vicious drive. That proved a turning point, as Kalmari fired the Finns in front three minutes after the restart from the corner of the area. Two minutes later the victory was sealed when Kalmari latched on to Jessica Julin's headed pass and beat Fay with a fine finish.

Squad announcement
Coach Käld selected 20 players for this match and is likely to name each of them in his final squad for England on Monday. Finland tackle the hosts in their opening game in Group A on Sunday 5 June and used tonight's game as preparation for that.

Tactics hailed
"Scotland were the best possible opponent for us as they play very much like England," he said, adding of the performance: "We switched from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 and scored twice within five minutes. It was only the second time we've tried that system but it seems to work well."