Euro 2020: Finns blame 'energy loss' of disallowed goal after Russia defeat | Football News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Euro 2020: Finns blame 'energy loss' of disallowed goal after Russia defeat

Reuters | , St Petersburg
Jun 16, 2021 10:39 PM IST

Joel Pohjanpalo, who scored the winner against Denmark on Saturday, had the ball in the net in the fifth minute, but his wild celebrations were cut short by VAR as he was revealed to be slightly offside.

Finland were left to rue an early goal chalked off for a marginal offside decision as they fell to a 1-0 defeat by Russia in their Euro 2020 Group B clash on Wednesday.

Finland's Paulus Arajuuri challenge for the ball during the Euro 2020 match against Russia(AP)
Finland's Paulus Arajuuri challenge for the ball during the Euro 2020 match against Russia(AP)

Joel Pohjanpalo, who scored the winner against Denmark on Saturday, had the ball in the net in the fifth minute, but his wild celebrations were cut short by VAR as he was revealed to be slightly offside.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

"I don't know how far Joel was offside, but it was so close. It's all about fine margins, and today they didn't go our way," Finland captain Paulus Arajuuri said.

"It gives you a huge energy boost when you score. And when it's ruled out, it takes a lot of energy out of you, too," he added.

ALSO READ | EURO 2020 Full Coverage

The Finns were undone by a goal in first-half stoppage time by Aleksei Miranchuk, and though they battled hard throughout the second half they could not find an equaliser.

"Unfortunately the efficiency today with the goal-scoring chances wasn't on a high level, and the Russian defenders were able to block our shots," Finland coach Markku Kanerva told reporters.

"Overall the offensive game was OK, in the second half we had many more opportunities to control the ball for long periods, but this is not a game of statistics -- it's all about having the skill to score and to defend against chances."

Finland will now face Belgium, their toughest Group B opponents, in their final game, and depending on other results they may well need a draw or a win if they are to have any hope of making it through to the knockout stage.

"Belgium is one of the strongest teams in the tournament so it's a massive challenge for us. This team has shown before that they are able to play above their level and make their dreams come true," Kanerva said.

Catch all the Latest Football matches score updates alongwith EPL 2024 Schedule , ISL 2024 Schedule and other related updates on ISL 2024 Points table on The Hindustan Times website and App
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On