Finland stay, shun Russia

[tee rex]

So far home advantage hasn't meant much. It's 3-4 to the away side, with 1 draw (omitting Denmark v Finland, for obvious reasons).

Under normal circumstances, this could be quite entertaining: Russia have to win. Let's hope Finland are OK to play, in mind and body. Picking 2-1 to Russia.

[Rogin the Armchair fan]

Suomenlinna is a fascinating place. A fort built to guard Helsinki's harbour by the Swedish empire, to defend it (unsuccessfully it turned out) from Russia. I once spent an afternoon there eating ice cream and drinking beer in a deckchair looking out to sea, so this afternoon's game will afford me some wistful memories.

Finland v Russia still sounds like an ice hockey game, however.

[ursus arctos]

We had a lovely pub dinner with Ball Comrade (formerly of this parish) there about a dozen years ago.

[diggedy derek]

Love Suomenlinna ("Finland's castle", presumably?)

Did you guys get any strawberries and battered white fish at the harbour? Love that place.

[Duncan Gardner]

Agreed with all above. Excellent fish restaurants

See also Tallinn (from Dana Linna, Danish fortress)

[Satchmo Distel]

So far home advantage hasn't meant much. It's 3-4 to the away side, with 1 draw (omitting Denmark v Finland, for obvious reasons).

They all accorded with expected results, though, except maybe Spain v Sweden, which had mitigating COVID factors. Slovakia beating Poland was 'slightly surprising' but at a neutral venue. Netherlands might be the shakiest 'big team' host but have a weak group. We still await a genuine 'shock'.

I am concerned about Denmark in Russia next Monday - Denmark are the better side but the circumstances are cruel. The whole group feels very hollow TBH and this is perhaps the game I have least looked forward to (I'm considering skipping and just catching highlights).

[anton pulisov]

5/1 for Finland to win. Not that bad really.

[Gangster Octopus]

That was quick...

[San Bernardhinault]

Yay!

Edit: Boo!

[pebblethefish]

5/1 for Finland to win. Not that bad really.

Hope you got those odds in time

[Felicity, I guess so]

So much for my assumption this would be a nervy snorefest

[diggedy derek]

That would have been a great header from Finland.

Daniel Michael O'Shaughnessy lived in Finland from a very young age I think. His experience with that name must be a bit like my nephew, who moved to Helsinki as a toddler.

[Belhaven]

Robert Taylor is in the Finnish squad, if not on the pitch. His English is about on level with your average Finn.

[diggedy derek]

Russia are better than I thought here. Bit more
mobile and skillful than they sometimes are

[Belhaven]

That looked seriously painful for both players

[Satchmo Distel]

Mark Donaldson mentions the war, ffs (1939 winter campaign, horrendous suffering on both sides).

Mark Clattenburg has been very good as the ref expert in all the games. I assume he's Zoomed in from the UK.

[diggedy derek]

Finland are standing firm for now, but the sheer amount of injury time could mean another 15 minutes to endure

[CY_Boaby]

I can see someone getting sent off shortly.

[San Bernardhinault]

Nice finish. Boo, of course, but nice goal.

[Jah Womble]

Delightful finish from Miranchuk.

Thankfully, after three disallowed goals, this one stands.

[Satchmo Distel]

Russia have turned up but would still need at least a draw v Denmark if they only win 1-0 due to negative GD.

[imp]

Are BBC pundits contractually obliged to refrain from criticising VAR?

[tee rex]

Finland's front two look like they could score at will. Especially as the Russian keeper is about 12 and a half.

As in 2018, Dzyuba is so centre-forwardy I can't help but like him. He has twins in every Sunday league side.

[Jah Womble]

Are BBC pundits contractually obliged to refrain from criticising VAR?

What was the gripe here?

(Or what should it have been?)

[Discordant Resonance]

Much like Croatia on Sunday, Finland appear to have run out of steam.