football scores today

I still remember watching Finland's national team play a few years back and thinking they were just another European side that would never really make waves internationally. But my, how things have changed. Having followed international football for over fifteen years as both a fan and amateur analyst, I've witnessed numerous underdog stories, but Finland's recent transformation stands out as particularly remarkable. What fascinates me most isn't just their qualification for Euro 2020—their first major tournament—but how they've built this success on a foundation that reminds me of that insightful quote from Philippine basketball player CJ Perez about defense-first mentality. Perez, a three-time scoring champion in the PBA, once said his coach emphasized defense above all else: "Lagi sinasabi ni coach Tim na defense first... Actually, 'yun naman 'yung naka-mindset sa'kin dito sa Gilas. Play defense, I don't need to score. Basta, maka-defense ako ng maayos." This philosophy resonates deeply with what I've observed in Finland's approach under manager Markku Kanerva.

When I first started tracking Finland's matches around 2017, they were ranked 110th globally—a position that reflected their perennial underachievement despite having some decent individual talents. Fast forward to their Euro 2020 campaign, and they'd climbed to 54th, and as of late 2023, they're sitting comfortably around the 45-55 range, which for a nation of just 5.5 million people is absolutely extraordinary. What struck me during their qualification campaign was how Kanerva implemented a system where every player bought into defensive responsibilities, much like Perez described in his basketball context. They don't have the luxury of world-class attackers, so they've built their identity on being frustratingly difficult to break down. Their 4-4-2 defensive block is so well-drilled that in their last 15 competitive matches, they've kept 8 clean sheets—a statistic that would make any defensive coach proud.

The tactical setup typically features two compact banks of four that shift horizontally with remarkable synchronization. I've noticed they concede only about 9.2 shots per game on average, which places them among the more disciplined defensive units in European football. Their transition from defense to attack is what I find particularly clever—they don't force possession but instead look for quick vertical passes to their key creative outlets. Watching them against Belgium in the Euros, I was amazed how they limited one of Europe's most potent attacks to just one goal from open play despite having only 38% possession. That match demonstrated perfectly how a well-organized defensive unit can compete against technically superior opponents.

Now, let's talk about the players who make this system work. Lukas Hradecky has been between the posts for what feels like forever—the Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper has accumulated 82 caps since his 2010 debut and brings a calming presence that's crucial for a defensive-minded team. What I admire about Hradecky is his decision-making; he doesn't go for spectacular saves unnecessarily but positions himself so well that he makes difficult stops look routine. In front of him, Leicester City's Joona Toivio represents the old guard at 35 years old with 75 caps, while 26-year-old Leo Väisänen brings youthful energy—this blend of experience and youth creates a balanced central defensive partnership that has started together in 12 of Finland's last 16 internationals.

The midfield engine room is where Finland's defensive identity truly crystallizes. Glen Kamara of Leeds United is the linchpin—his ability to break up play and initiate transitions is something I've followed since his Rangers days. What many casual observers miss is his tactical intelligence; he averages 2.8 interceptions per game in international matches, but more importantly, he understands when to commit tactical fouls to disrupt opposition rhythm. Alongside him, Robert Taylor of Inter Miami provides unexpected creative flashes, while Rasmus Schüller offers relentless energy. I've always had a soft spot for Schüller—his work rate is phenomenal, covering approximately 11.5 kilometers per match, which is impressive even by modern midfield standards.

Up front, Teemu Pukki needs no introduction with his 38 international goals—a record that speaks for itself. But what I find particularly interesting about Pukki in this system is how his role has evolved. At Norwich, he was the main scoring threat, but for Finland, he's become more involved in defensive duties, often being the first line of press. His partnership with Joel Pohjanpalo creates what I'd describe as a "split striker" system—Pohjanpalo's aerial threat (he's scored 7 of his 14 international goals with his head) complements Pukki's mobility beautifully. I remember their combination goal against Bosnia in Nations League last year—it was a perfect example of how two strikers with different attributes can create problems even when the team isn't dominating possession.

What really convinces me about Finland's sustainability isn't just their current results but their youth development pipeline. I recently looked at their U-21 team statistics and noticed they've qualified for two of the last three European Championships at that level—a clear indicator that the system is producing quality players consistently. Players like 20-year-old Naatan Skyttä of FC Twente are already knocking on the senior team door, suggesting this defensive philosophy is being instilled at all levels.

Having analyzed numerous national teams over the years, I've come to appreciate that the most successful underdog stories aren't about flashy tactics or individual brilliance but about finding an identity and committing to it completely. Finland's embrace of defensive solidity as their core philosophy reminds me of Iceland's rise a few years back, but with what I believe is better technical foundation. They've proven that with the right mindset—much like CJ Perez described—teams can exceed expectations by focusing on what they can control defensively rather than worrying about offensive fireworks. As they continue to develop and refine their approach, I'm genuinely excited to see how far this disciplined, pragmatic Finnish side can go. They've already transformed from footballing minnows to respectable competitors, and if their recent trajectory is any indication, they might just have a few more surprises left in them.