Our prediction for this Euro 2024 match:
San Marino will look to claim a major scalp in Group H when they face Finland in Serravalle on Monday evening. San Marino are having yet another qualifying campaign to forget, with the team losing each of their nine group games and it is no wonder the bookies see them as big underdogs in this match. Forward Nicola Nanni misses out with injury, while defender Simone Franciosi should be recalled to the starting XI after scoring as a substitute in a 3-1 loss to Kazakhstan.
The Finns, on the other hand, defeated Kazakhstan in their last group game, with the team putting an end to their three-match losing run. Finland produced a brilliant display in a 4-0 win over Northern Ireland and we predict that they will take advantage of San Marino’s shaky defence as well. As for the away team, experienced forward Teemu Pukki is pushing for a start following his fine display in Friday’s win.
Highlighted Team (Finland):
Finland national football team played their first international game before the World War 1. The Finns were beaten by fellow Nordic side Sweden (2-5) on October 22, 1911, but eleven years later they recorded their biggest ever win on the international stage.
Finland outclassed Estonia 10-2 in Helsinki and, speaking of their heaviest defeat, the team suffered a 13-0 loss to Germany in Leipzig during the World War II (1940). Finland national team became a member of FIFA back in 1908, but they have yet to qualify for the finals of the major tournament. The Finns did not participate in the European Championship finals as well, but several top-class footballers were part of their national football team in the past.
Former Liverpool ace Jari Litmanen scored 32 goals in 137 appearances for Finland and Sami Hyypia is yet another notable footballer who played for the Eagle-owls. The colour of Finland’s home kits is white, while they play their away games in blue shirts and blue shorts.