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Finland drawn in 'group of death' at Women's Euro

The Finns got a tough draw for the European Championships next summer.

Helmarit juhlivat maalia.
Finland's women will play at the European Championships in 2022. Image: All Over Press
  • Yle News

Finland were drawn in the dreaded 'group of death' for next summer's UEFA Women's Championship in England, where they'll face Germany, Denmark and Spain.

Group B's lineup is a tough one, according to Finland coach Anna Signeul.

"The group isn't the easiest, but I believe that all these teams can take points from each other," said Signeul after the draw, which took place in Manchester. "No team will be able to rest players, and I believe that will be good for us. Teams playing us can't come unprepared, and we shouldn't be underestimated."

The Finland women's team, who are also known as Helmarit or the Boreal Owls in English, qualified with an unbeaten record, but are still the lowest-ranked team in their group.

Germany are a powerhouse of the game, having won eight of the 12 Women's Euro championships held so far, although they did go out in the quarter-finals in the last tournament held in 2017.

Denmark were the team that defeated Germany then in a shock result, and they will be hopeful of repeating that performance led by Chelsea striker Pernille Harder.

Spain, meanwhile, have the bulk of Barcelona's treble-winning side in their lineup and look capable of challenging the biggest names in the tournament.

All three of Finland's games will be played in Milton Keynes, a town that had no professional football team until 2003 when Wimbledon FC were controversially allowed to relocate from South London.

The team was renamed MK Dons but christened 'Franchise FC' by many football fans, and has been boycotted by football monthly When Saturday Comes in their annual season preview.

Finland's games will be played at Stadium MK, the home of the MK Dons.

Finland's Group B matches (all times local/Finnish)

Friday 8 July

Spain v Finland, 17:00/19:00, Milton Keynes

Tuesday 12 July

Denmark v Finland 17:00/19:00, Milton Keynes

Saturday 16 July

Finland v Germany 20:00/22:00, Milton Keynes