Futsal | A bitter defeat for Finnish futsal players in the opening of the European Championship qualifiers

Finland the women’s national futsal team experienced disappointment on the opening day of the European Championship qualifying tournament in Vantaa, when they faced their dear enemy Sweden. The guests jumped out to a 2–0 lead in the opening period, and Finland’s effort in the second half was not enough. Sweden took an important victory with goals 3–2.

Isabel Maria Aguilar gave Sweden the lead in the second minute of the match, and in the fourth minute of the game Moa Glans scored 2–0. Maria Mäntylä brought Finland into the lead in the second half, but Aguilar’s second hit of the night shortly after the narrow increased the gap to two goals again. Senni Viren the goal put Finland in the lead, but the equalizer was never achieved despite the pressure.

Spain, which has won both of the women’s futsal European championships (2019, 2022) shared so far, beat Belgium 14–0 in the second game of the Vantaa group on the opening day. On Thursday, Finland will face Belgium and Sweden will face Spain. The winner of the qualifying tournament will advance to the EC final tournament to be played in March 2023.