Finland leave China on a high
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
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Finland 2-0 New Zealand
Finland saved their best for last in their final game at the Guangzhou tournament thanks to goals from Leena Puranen and Susanna Lehtinen.
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Finland 2-0 New Zealand 0
Finland saved their best for last with a victory against New Zealand in their final game at the Guangzhou tournament in China.
Lehtinen strikes
The UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ hosts struck twice in the second half, converting possession into goals for the first time in the four-team event. Following defeats against South Korea (4-0) and China (1-0) Michael Käld's side scored their first goal in the tournament in the 57th minute when Leena Puranen struck after collecting a fine pass from Essi Sainio. With 15 minutes remaining they doubled the lead, Sanna Talonen playing Susanna Lehtinen through on goal and she calmly add the second.
Step forward
"We had not played for a while and that showed clearly in the opening game against South Korea," coach Käld said. "The China game was a step to the right direction and today we took another step forward. This win means a lot mentally. We got a just reward after doing a good job on the pitch." China beat South Korea 1-0 to win the tournament.