Euro 2020: Finland vs Russia – As it Happened at Krestovsky Stadium
By Varun Aithal
Finland made it tough for Russia but in the end, they collect all three points on Wednesday at Krestovsky Stadium – the final score of 0-1 was enough to see Russia move into second place and overjump the debutants in the tournament.
Match Information
Finland 0-1 Russia
Goalscorers:
Aleksey Miranchuk 45+2′
Man of the Match
Aleksey Miranchuk – Russia
Finland vs Russia match recap
All English Premier League
Russia endured a huge defeat against Belgium in their previous game and had to win against Finland to keep their hopes alive. In the Finns previous game against Denmark, they displayed they are not pushovers and are here to play.
Sadly, Finland had a goal in the third minute chalked off for off-side. Both teams were involved in end-to-end action in the first half, however, it was Aleksey Miranchuk who made the difference for Russia. The player scored his first goal with his first shot of Euro 2020.
The Finns left no stone unturned in the second half. They tried every trick in the book in search of an equalizer. However, Russia’s defensive shape, as well as counter-attack, kept Finland at bay.
Even in the final minutes of the game, Cherchesov’s men were steaming forward with just the one-goal cushion. They also missed a couple of chances to double their lead in the final ten minutes of the game but were not prolific enough.
Finland were left heartbroken at the end of the 90 minutes. Their valiant efforts gathered no reward at Krestovsky Stadium as Russia ran out 1-0 winners in their Euro 2020 Matchday 2 encounter.
Finland’s Player Ratings
Lukas Hradecky – 6.5, Jukka Raitala – 6.5, Joona Toivio – 6.5, Paulus Arajuuri – 6, Daniel O’Shaughnessy – 6.0, Jere Uronen – 6.0, Robin Lod – 6.0, Glen Kamara – 6.0, Rasmus Schuller – 6.0, oel Pohjanphalo – 6.0, Teemu Pukki – 6.0
Subs: Joni Kauko – 6, Lassi Lappalainen – 6, Pyry Soiri – 6, Fredrik Jensen – NA
Russia’s Player Ratings
Matvey Safonov – 6.5, Daler Kuzyaev – 6.9, Georghi Dzhikiya – 6.5, Igor Diveev – 6.5, Mario Fernandes – 6.5, Roman Zobnin – 7, Dimitri Barinov – 6.5, Magomed Ozdoev – 6.5, Artem Dzyuba – 7.7, Aleksandr Golovin – 6.6, Aleksey Miranchuk – 7.5
Subs: Vyacheslav Karavaev – 6.5, Rifat Zhemaletdinov – 6.5, Aleksander Zobolev, Maksim Mukhin – NA
What did we learn from the game?
After the game against Finland, we can clearly say that Russia are one of the underdogs in Euro 2020. They’ve made themselves strong favourites for the second qualifying spot, having taken advantage of the fact Denmark’s next is against the Red Devils.
Their tactical adaptability throughout the game was top-notch as their manager, Stanislav Cherchesov, kept on changing the formation. Russia started the game shaped in a 4-3-3 but shifted into 3-4-2-1 as soon as they reached the hour mark. They could penetrate the 3-5-2 approach of Finland.
On the other hand, we can also see that the Russians have some concerns. In two games, they have had a player substituted in the first half of each game. If they are to go the distance, squad members have to try and stay fit for the rest of the cup.
Denmark are yet to overcome the mental scar that was caused because of Christian Eriksen’s injury. The rest of Group B, Denmark vs. Belgium, will go ahead on Thursday, 17 June.
Despite the loss, Finland can be proud of themselves and the fight they put up against an opponent who was in their own backyard.
Next. Euro 2020 Rising Stars – Spain’s Pedri. dark
Who do you think will qualify for the knockout stages from Group B? Have your say below!