Russia is extricating itself from the Finnish trap and fully relaunching itself

After a first act rich in goals, Euro 2020 continued this Wednesday with the start of the second day. And it was Finland and Russia that opened the ball in Group B in St. Petersburg. A stadium that had not succeeded at Sbornaya, corrected 3 to 0 on Saturday by Belgium. To make up for it, she started in 3-4-3 with Dzyuba leading the way. For their part, the Hiboux Grand Ducs, winners 1 to 0 against Denmark in difficult conditions following Christian Eriksen’s heart attack, started in 5-3-2. From the outset, the Russians, determined to take control of the match, monopolized the ball.

But quickly, they scared each other. From 3rd, Raitala crossed for Pohjanpalo, who placed a winning header. After using video refereeing, the goal was called off for offside. Despite this fear, Sbornaya pressed and pushed with Ozdoev, who opened his foot too much and sent the leather over (10th), and Dzyuba, (13th, shot from the post, but out of play). Disciplined, the Finns held firm behind against the Russian pressing. Offensively, they had few balls to exploit, but they relied on blocks with Pohjanpalo, whose shot was deflected by Diveev (20th).

Three valuable points for the Russians

After the exit on injury of Mario Fernandes (25th, replaced by Karavaev), the Russians tried to react with Dzyuba (30th) and Diveev (31st). In the 36th, Kuzyaev crossed hard in front of goal, Karavaev threw himself at the far post, but he was beaten by Uronen, who saved his team with their toes. Dominating, Russia was rewarded for its efforts. After a one-two with Dzyuba, Miranchuk, well in legs, sent a shot from the left under the skylight (0-1, 45 ‘+ 2) just before the break. On the restart, Finland showed a much more conquering face with Pukki, launched in depth and tackled in extremis by Diveev (49th).

After a Russian attempt signed Golovin (52nd), Pukki, again, struck and framed. But Safonov was watching (53rd). More incisive, the Finns pressed and annoyed their opponents by gradually setting up their game. Even if they suffered, Russia was still the most dangerous with Kuzyaev, whose right strike was deflected by Hrádecký (72nd). The two teams surrendered blow for blow and tried to gain the upper hand at the end of the match. Finally, Russia won 1 to 0. With 3 points, it passes Finland (3 points) in the standings and is behind Belgium, which will face Denmark tomorrow.

Relive the film of the meeting