Finland wary of Dutch threat

Finland coach Michael Käld ruled out any complacency when the host nation take on tournament debutants Netherlands in Wednesday's Group A game at UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™.

No underestimation
Though both teams started with a victory, with Finland grinding out a 1-0 win over Denmark and the Netherlands scoring early in a 2-0 defeat of Ukraine, Käld's side have home advantage and the experience of having reached the semi-finals when they made their major tournament bow at UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™. But even though a win would take Finland through in first place if Ukraine do not defeat Denmark, Käld is not underestimating the Oranje.

Starting afresh
"We were there for the first time in England in 2005 and we know exactly what it's like when you're playing in such a tournament for the first time and you get good results," Käld said. "With Holland winning 2-0, they will get a lot of energy from that game which they will use here. We can't think that we're starting from the second half against Denmark – we have to start from 0-0 and do our job."

Wing play
Käld praised the performance of winger Anna Westerlund in coping with the attacking threat from the flanks against Denmark and he expects her to have another busy game. "Holland also have very good wingers so we have to react that," he said. "We have our plans ready and the players know exactly what to do."

Pauw cautious
For the Netherlands, coach Vera Pauw was also taking nothing for granted after their fine start, though should they and Ukraine both pick up three points, the Oranje would be group winners. "It's a strange feeling because we've been calculating that after one game in our group you could go anywhere: you could go one way or you could stop," Pauw said. "When you look at the statistics, Finland beating Denmark was a surprising result – so it's a very open group."

Different tactics
The one certainty is that Pauw is preparing a revised system of play. "We're expecting a different kind of game from Finland," she said. "Ukraine like to sit back, whereas Finland like to attack and are more opportunistic. Finland are physically strong, they're good players ... and they use more long balls than Ukraine. They're more direct."

Kalmari threat
Pauw, who has used video footage to help prepare her side, also knows Finland well enough to be wary of forward Laura Österberg Kalmari, describing her as "outstanding." Pauw added: "She's calm on the ball, she is the guiding player of the Finnish team and she has very good vision."