Finns power past England

Finland continued their preparations for the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship by defeating last season's semi-finalists England 3-1 today.

Hosts succeed
The tournament hosts thrived at Riihimäki's Urheilupuisto stadium with two goals from Taru Hakala and Annica Sjölund's strike ensuring a positive result for Jarmo Matikainen's side, who will take on England in another friendly fixture in Hyvinkää on Thursday.

Laihanen scores
Laihanen opened the scoring after 31 minutes from Nelli Berg's left-wing cross, taking the ball down and beating Nicola Hobbs with a low shot. The striker nearly added to her tally before the interval, hitting the post with one effort and being denied by the England goalkeeper when clean through.

Double whammy
Lahainen's impressive form continued after the break as she doubled the Finns' lead on 48 minutes, breaking from the left to chip Hobbs. A minute later, her strike partner Sjölund made it 3-0 with a fierce shot from five metres following a corner kick.

Defensive lapse
Finland's poise briefly faltered as a defensive mistake after 51 minutes allowed Lianne Sanderson to pull one back, but overall, coach Matikainen was satisfied. "This match was an excellent dress-rehearsal," he said. "Our tactics worked both defensively and in attack.

Word of warning
"However, we saw the price we have to pay if we lose concentration. England's goal was a good lesson what happens when you feel too confident. This is something we must avoid in the final tournament."