Firsts for Swiss and Finns

Finland scored their first goal of the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship but could not find a second as Switzerland hung on to win 2-1 and leave the host nation at the foot of Group A as it concluded on Monday.

Sun shining
With the sun finally shining after rain fell in abundance over the first two matchdays, a large and vociferous crowd of 1530 was drawn to the Loviisan Keskuskenttä to see Jarmo Matikainen’s side play their last match of the finals. As Switzerland were also eliminated going into today’s game, the spectators were treated to a fine spectacle in which both teams played freely. Lara Dickenmann and Vanessa Bürki scored the Swiss goals and Taru Laihanen pulled one back for the Finns.

Positive start
Both sides had lost to Spain and been beaten 4-0 by Germany, although Switzerland played some enterprising football in their match against the group winners on Friday. They started in similarly positive fashion against Finland, with Dickenmann as impressive as ever in the centre of the park. The Switzerland No5 made the first telling contribution of the match when scoring her first goal of the tournament in the 22nd minute.

Laihanen on bench
The strike galvanised the Swiss, who found themselves in front for the first time in the section. Finland had now fallen behind in all their games, but they looked a more confident side than the one which had conceded seven goals against Germany and Spain. Matikainen had dropped striker Taru Laihanen to the bench as he felt she did not have the stamina to play a full game after starting both previous matches.

Constant threat
The Finland coach introduced her at half-time for tall midfield player Annica Sjölund and Laihanen’s pace made her a consistent danger. However, it was Switzerland who scored the second goal, Bürki making amends for a series of misses against Germany with her effort in the 56th minute.

Sat back
Rather than looking to increase their tally, Switzerland sat back and invited Finland on to them. Laihanen’s endeavour was rewarded with her country’s first goal in the 61st minute, a powerful finish following a cross from the right, but Finland could not find a second which would have sent the crowd into raptures.

Future development
They can hold their heads high, though, and women’s football in this country is likely to prosper from their endeavour.

Most Valuable Player: Lara Dickenmann (Switzerland)
Attendance: 1530