Fresh faces for Finland
Friday, October 3, 2003
Article summary
Finland coach Antti Muurinen has made two changes to his squad for the 11 October friendly against Canada.
Article body
Injury absentees
Aberdeen FC defender Markus Heikkinen replaces the injured AZ Alkmaar full-back Juha Reini, while Derby County FC midfield player Simo Valakari and strikers Shefki Kuqi of Ipswich Town FC and Charlton Athletic FC's Jonatan Johansson are also missing.
Fresh faces
Djurgårdens IF striker Daniel Sjölund is included in the party and will be looking to win his second cap, while HJK Helsinki midfield player Alexei Eremenko is called up for the first time.
'Good opportunity'
"This is a good opportunity for us to give a chance to these promising players," said Muurinen. "In the next [FIFA World Cup] qualifying campaign they may play a major role and it's good to get them acquainted with the rest of the squad and the atmosphere before that."
Fixtures completed
Finland occupy third place in UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying Group 9 having completed their fixtures, although they can be overtaken by Serbia and Montenegro, who face Wales on 11 October.
Finland squad
Jääskeläinen, Niemi, Heikkinen, Hyypiä, Kuivasto, Pasanen, Saarinen, Tihinen, Eremenko, Forssell, Kolkka, Kopteff, Litmanen, Nurmela, Riihilahti, Sjölund, Tainio, Väyrynen.
