Finland's Young Lions have made headlines by advancing to the World Championship final against the USA, following thrilling victories over formidable opponents throughout the tournament. Their latest triumph came against Sweden, where they won 4-3 after overtime, securing their spot to compete for the coveted title.
The final is set to take place on January 1, 2025, at 2:30 AM Finnish time, and it promises to be an electrifying matchup, as Finland aims to seize the championship from the hands of their rivals. Finland's performance so far has been met with mixed reviews, with many questioning the team's capabilities, especially following their initial loss to Canada earlier in the tournament.
Before reaching the final, Finland managed to overcome Sweden, who entered the semi-finals seen as strong contenders. Otto Stenberg, the star of the game for the Finns, scored two pivotal goals to lead his team to victory. ‘This Finnish team has often looked ordinary during this tournament. It hasn't scored many goals. On paper, they don't have many NHL prospects,’ commented hockey analyst Pronman from The Athletic, reflecting the skepticism surrounding Finland's roster.
The match against Sweden, marked by intense back-and-forth play, showcased not only the skill of the Finnish players but also the resilience they have developed throughout the competition. Goalkeeper Petteri Rimpinen played a significant role, stopping key shots when it mattered most. After the match, Rimpinen remarked, ‘Both teams had some falls. It was one of those games. The referees had to be allowed to make calls,’ acknowledging the close nature of the game.
Rimpinen's comments echo the sentiments shared by his teammate Heikki Ruohonen, who commented on the challenges faced during the game: ‘A penalty is a penalty. The referees must be allowed to make calls. Whether they see those situations as penalty-worthy is then up to the viewer's eye.’ This highlights the pressure players feel to stay within the game's rules, especially as they anticipate playing against another skilled team.
Yet, Finland enters this final with confidence. The Finnish team had previously toppled the USA 4-3 during the group stage, thanks to Tuomas Urosen’s last-minute goal, giving them the psychological upper hand going forward. A key part to their success is believed to be their superb goaltending and effective penalty-killing strategies. According to Nättinen from Yle Urheilu, ‘Playing for the World Championship is just fantastic; the team will be rewarded for making the final.’
Analysts have noted the significance of Finland's ability to remain strong defensively, especially against the highly offensive capabilities of the USA team, which has historically managed to finish scoring opportunities at higher percentages. ‘Finland’s strength lies in their goaltending, which has seen Rimpinen achieving remarkable save percentages, currently leading at 93.95 during the tournament,’ Nättinen said.
The upcoming final is charged with competitive spirit, with both teams wanting to prove their merit on such a significant stage. While the USA will come as the favorites, Finland's earlier win against them provides them with the tactical experience and mental edge necessary to face this challenge with confidence. Nättinen assessed, ‘Now they need to show their ability to frustrate the US players, who sometimes exhibit frustration during tight matches.’
Overall, as the time counts down to the championship battle, there is no doubt excitement is building. With Finland poised against the USA, fans are hopeful for another chance to celebrate their team’s spirit and tenacity, making for what promises to be one thrilling hockey showdown.