Finland captain wary of Azeris
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Article summary
Finland captain Jari Litmanen is not expecting an easy ride as unbeaten Finland continue their hunt for a first major finals place against Azerbaijan in Baku.
Article body
Going strong
The Finns have never qualified for a major championship but coach Roy Hodgson has guided them into a strong position in Group A. They stand in second place with eleven points from five games, two points behind leaders Poland, and with a game in hand.
'No easy match'
Three points against the Azeris would ensure they end the day still clear of Portugal and Serbia, the third and fourth-placed teams who meet in Belgrade. However, Litmanen said: "I don't expect an easy match, though my view is that we have more class in our team. From previous visits to Baku we know that winning here is never easy."
Tainio absent
Litmanen and fellow forward Mikael Forssell have both trained normally with the squad, despite recent fitness problems. "I had a hint of flu last week but otherwise everything has been OK," said Litmanen. The only notable absentee going into the game is Tottenham Hotspur FC midfielder Teemu Tainio and coach Hodgson said: "I have the starting lineup set in my mind. What I still have to think about is which players will be dropped to the bench."