Spain recover and ease to opening win over Finland

Spain ensured a positive end to a difficult week by coming from behind to defeat Finland in their opening Euro 2022 encounter.

La Roja came into this Group B encounter, still reeling from the news that Ballon D’or winner Alexia Putellas suffered an ACL injury in training during the week and would miss the tournament.

If Jorge Vilda’s side were hoping to ease into the game in Milton Keynes in order to adapt to their new situation, they were quickly given a hard reality check as Finland had other ideas.

Just 49 seconds had gone on the clock when Linda Sallstrom latched onto a long pass forward and took advantage of hesitancy in the Spanish defence to slot in off the post and give the Finns a shock lead.

Spain took control almost immediately with lots of possession around the Finnish box but were lacking incision with several cut back attempts easily cut out.

Mariona Caldentey had the first effort on goal for Spain but it was straight at Tinja-Riika Korpela.

Finland were sitting back on their lead but looked threatening when they did go forward. Spain looked nervous at the back and Adelina Engman had a chance to double the lead but shot wide when well placed.

Those in red thought they were level when Patri Guijarro headed into an empty net but the goal was ruled out with the ball having gone out of play.

Spain’s corner count was rising with Caldentey constantly supplying dangerous deliveries from the right and it was no surprise to see this bring about the equaliser in the 26th minute.

Defender Irene Paredes met the centre from Caldentey and powerfully headed in the leveller.

Spain were ramping up the pressure now without overly testing Korpela but did go in at half time with the lead.

Mapi Leon was the provider this time, crossing for Aitana Bonmati to head home and put the Spaniards in front.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Spain mostly in control but Finland looking very threatening when they did get forward.

Spain were looking to get that decisive third goal but Ona Batlle was thwarted after brilliant individual work on the counter.

The clinching goal did arrive however in the 75th minute and once again it was an untypical Spanish goal, with it being a header from a set-play. Leon once again supplied the ammunition and Lucia Garcia glanced home to ease whatever lingering nerves remained.

There was still time for one more goal which was harsh on Finland. Marta Cardona was bundled over in the box and Caldentey struck a brilliant penalty into the top corner to cap off a fine individual display.

It was the win that Spain desperately needed to start the ‘Group of Death’ and the set piece delivery looks a potent weapon to add an extra dimension to an already deadly arsenal.

Putellas watched on from the stands and joined in with the celebrations. It will have been a bittersweet moment for the Barcelona star but it’s the team that ultimately matters and this is the first step on a possible road to glory.

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