Finland look to carry their first-day momentum after a bitter-sweet win over Denmark when they take on Russia in matchday two of Euro 2020. The match schedules for Wednesday at Krestovsky Stadium with kickoff at 4 pm.
Markku Kaverva’s picked up the three points after a highly emotional night against their Scandinavian neighbors. On the other hand, Russia started with a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Belgium.
The win for Finland did not sit well with most fans, especially with what transpired. Christian Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest and fell in the middle of the pitch. The game had to come to an end as the Inter Milan star stretchered off the pitch.
However, the match continued later after confirmation that Eriksen was awake and stable in hospital. Joel Pohjanpalo netted the goal that gave Finland their fin win in a major tournament.
The decision to continue the match met many criticisms, with UEFA giving the green light after the horrific encounter. The win ended Finland’s six-game winless run in the competition.
On the other hand, Stanislav Cherchesov’s side proved no match for Fifa’s Number One ranked team – Belgium. A 3-0 loss to Belgium means Russia occupies the last spot in Group B. However, it is still early for the 1960 inaugural winners of the competition.
Finland vs. Russia Head to Head
Both sides have two matches against each other, with Russia taking two wins while Finland without one. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Denmark 0-1 Finland
- Finland 0-1 Estonia
- Sweden 2-0 Finland
- Switzerland 3-2 Finland
- Ukraine 1-1 Finland
Away
- Belgium 3-0 Russia
- Russia 1-0 Bulgaria
- Poland 1-1 Russia
- Slovakia 2-1 Russia
- Russia 2-1 Slovakia
Finland Team News
Sauli Vaisanen withdrew from the squad before they clashed with Denmark over the injury. Furthermore, defender Nikolai Alho is slightly another doubt while recovering from a sprained ankle. Jukka Raitala came off the pitch with an apparent calf problem. Thus, Leo Vaisanen might have to step in the right-back position.
Russia Team News
Veteran defender Yuri Zhirkov suffered a major injury setback before they clashed with Belgium and remains a doubt. Another injury contender is Daler Kuzyaev after a nasty clash of heads with Timothy Castagne. Confirmed absentees due to positive coronavirus tests include Igor Diveev and Fyodor Kudryashov.
Prediction and Odds
Finland might have gotten lucky in their first clash, but luck is definitely out of the window this week.
- Russia Win
- Double Chance
- Goals Under 2.5
