UEFA EURO 2020 – Finland vs Russia Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Finland vs Russia kick off? Wednesday 16th June, 2021 – 14:00 (UK)
Where is Finland vs Russia being played? Saint-Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg
Where can I get tickets for Finland vs Russia? Click here for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Finland vs Russia on in the UK? BBC
Where can I stream Finland vs Russia in the UK? This match can be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All matches: Finland 0 wins, Russia 4 wins, 0 draws
Last meeting: Finland 0-3 Russia (10/06/09)
THE LOWDOWN
FINLAND
- Whilst Finland were victorious by a goal to nil against Denmark in their opening Group B fixture, what should have been a monumental moment was totally overshadowed by the collapse of Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen in the first half who is thankfully recovering in hospital.
- Goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky shone for Finland, making several key saves, including a magnificent stop from the penalty spot to deny Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the 74th minute and he will need to be at his best once again against Russia.
- Finland boss Markku Kanerva will likely name an unchanged side for this match with goalscorer against Denmark, Joel Pohjanpalo, partnering Teemu Pukki in attack.
RUSSIA
- Russia posed little threat to a strong Belgium side in their first Group B match of the tournament, going down 3-0 to the Red Devils in Saint Petersburg and this match represents a must-win encounter for them.
- The aerial threat of Artem Dzyuba up front was nullified by the lack of service provided to him and head coach Stanislav Cherchesov must come up with a playstyle that sees him brought into the game by the creativity of the Russian midfield.
- This could lead to a start in this game for Atalanta attacker Aleksei Miranchuk, who was brought off the bench as a substitute against Belgium with either Kuzyayev or Zobnin making way.
THE TEAM NEWS
FINLAND
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Hradecky; Toivio, Arajuuri, O’Shaughnessy; Raitala, Lod, Sparv, Kamara, Uronen; Pohjanpalo, Pukki
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
RUSSIA
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Shunin; Mario Fernandes, Semenov, Dzhikiya, Karavaev; Barinov, Ozdoev; Zobnin, Miranchuk, Golovin; Dzyuba
UNAVAILABLE: Zhirkov (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Finland have scored the first goal in eight of their last ten EURO fixtures (qualifying and final tournament) – Finland to score first
- Each of Finland’s last three international goals have been scored by Joel Pohjanpalo – Joel Pohjanpalo to score anytime
- Russia have scored three goals in each of their last three international matches against Finland (3-1, 3-0, 3-0) – Russia to score over 2.5 goals
- Russia have scored during the first half in each of their last four matches against Finland – Russia to score in the first half
- Russia have kept just two clean sheets in their last 19 EURO final tournament matches (no clean sheet in their last nine EURO finals games) – Finland to score
THE PREDICTION
Much is at stake here for both sides heading into the second round of Group B fixtures. Finland will know that with Belgium awaiting them in their final group match, it is pivotal that they can pick up a positive result here, while defeat for Russia would leave them on the brink of elimination. With a raucous home crowd behind them, Russia are expected to take the contest to Finland and push extra bodies forward in a bid to secure those all-important three points. However, whilst this may see them find more success in front of goal than they had against Belgium, Finland have proven themselves as a huge danger on the counter-attack. Therefore, it would be no surprise to see them take advantage of any extra space afforded to them inside the opposition half. With that in mind, consider both teams to score in this one.
Tip: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
