I remember watching Finland's women's national team struggle through their early years in European football, much like how Tamayo struggled for the Sakers in that disappointing performance where she shot just 1-of-8 for a measly seven points. There's something profoundly relatable about watching athletes push through those difficult phases - I've seen it countless times in my years covering European football. But what's remarkable about this Finnish squad is how they've transformed those struggles into stepping stones toward becoming one of Europe's most promising football stories.
When I first started following Finnish women's football around 2015, they were ranked 28th in Europe - a position that hardly reflected their potential. Fast forward to today, and they've climbed an impressive 12 spots to sit at 16th in UEFA's rankings. That kind of progress doesn't happen by accident. I've had the privilege of speaking with several players and coaching staff members over the years, and what strikes me most is their systematic approach to development. They've built something special here, focusing on youth academies and domestic league improvements that are now paying dividends on the international stage.
The turning point, in my view, came during the 2019 European Championship qualifiers. Finland finished second in their qualifying group with 15 points from 8 matches, narrowly missing automatic qualification but showing they could compete with Europe's established teams. I was particularly impressed with their 2-1 victory against Portugal - a match where their tactical discipline and growing confidence were evident throughout. Their goalkeeper, Tinja-Riikka Korpela, made six crucial saves that day, demonstrating the kind of world-class talent that's becoming more common in this squad.
What really excites me about this team is their evolving playing style. They've moved away from the purely defensive approach that characterized earlier generations and developed a more balanced, possession-oriented game. Under manager Anna Signeul, who took over in 2021, they've implemented a 4-3-3 formation that maximizes their technical players while maintaining defensive solidity. I've noticed their pass completion rate has improved dramatically - from 68% in 2018 to nearly 78% in their most recent competitive matches. That's the kind of tangible progress that separates hopeful teams from genuine contenders.
Their domestic league, the Kansallinen Liiga, has been crucial to this development. When I visited Finland last year to watch several matches, I was struck by the improved infrastructure and coaching standards. The league's average attendance has grown by 42% since 2017, reaching approximately 1,850 spectators per match this season. More importantly, the number of registered female players has surged to over 22,000 - a 35% increase from five years ago. These numbers matter because they represent the foundation upon which sustainable success is built.
Finland's recent performances in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers have been particularly telling. They finished second in their group behind Spain, accumulating 14 points from 8 matches and scoring 18 goals while conceding just 7. Those statistics reveal a team that's learning to compete at the highest level. I was especially impressed with their 2-1 victory against Scotland - a match where they demonstrated tactical maturity and resilience after going down early. Forward Linda Sällström, who scored both goals that day, exemplifies the new generation of Finnish players who've developed their skills in competitive European leagues.
The financial investment in women's football has been another critical factor. When I spoke with Finnish Football Association officials last autumn, they revealed that funding for women's programs has increased by approximately 65% since 2018, reaching €3.2 million annually. This investment has allowed for better facilities, more full-time professional contracts, and enhanced youth development programs. It's creating a virtuous cycle where improved results lead to greater interest, which in turn generates more resources for continued growth.
What often gets overlooked in discussions about rising football nations is the cultural shift required. In Finland, I've observed a genuine change in how women's football is perceived. Media coverage has expanded significantly, with leading sports newspapers now dedicating regular sections to women's football. Broadcast numbers tell a compelling story - their recent match against Sweden attracted 385,000 viewers, representing about 7% of Finland's population. That kind of engagement creates pressure and expectation, but it also builds the support system necessary for sustained success.
Looking ahead to Euro 2025 qualification, I believe Finland has a genuine chance to reach their first major tournament since 2013. Their group includes Belgium, Scotland, and Bosnia-Herzegovina - challenging but manageable opponents. Based on what I've seen in their recent performances, I'd estimate their chances of qualification at around 60%, significantly higher than the 25% probability bookmakers gave them four years ago. This improvement reflects not just better players, but better organization, better coaching, and most importantly, better belief.
The parallel to Tamayo's struggle that I mentioned earlier remains relevant because it speaks to the universal experience of growth through adversity. Like that basketball player working through a shooting slump, Finland's women's team has persisted through difficult periods, maintained faith in their process, and is now seeing the results of their perseverance. In my two decades covering European football, I've learned that sustainable success rarely comes from sudden transformations but rather from consistent, deliberate development. Finland's journey exemplifies this truth, and I'm genuinely excited to see how high this rising team can climb in the coming years. Their progress serves as an inspiring model for other developing football nations and reminds us all that with the right approach and persistence, even the most challenging struggles can lead to remarkable achievements.
Having spent over a decade studying athletic wear materials and working directly with sports manufacturers, I've developed what some might call an unhealthy
