Finland coach Markku Kanerva highlighted the emotional aspect of this Saturday's game against Denmark, which will mark his team's debut in a major tournament and fulfill a dream he had aspired to for years.
“Tomorrow we will make the dream of several generations come true,” said the Finnish coach at a press conference.
Kanerva maintained that the pressure is on the Danish side, a team whose level stood out on all lines, but especially in defense.
“They are very strong, both individually and collectively. They have three wins in a row in qualifying for the World Cup, with 14-0 in goals. It is very difficult to mark them, but it is not impossible. We have shown these years that we can play well against big teams ”, he declared.
The Finnish coach praised the “collective spirit” of his players, who noted that “they are not afraid of anyone and are prepared to perform at the highest level.”
“I am convinced that we will respond to the plan prepared. We will do a routine similar to normal, we are not going to change anything, “he said.
Denmark and Finland will open the first day of group B at the Parken in Copenhagen, a stadium that Kanerva already visited a few years ago, but not as a coach.
“The last time I was here watching the final of the Danish Cup. There was a great atmosphere in the stadium. They told me it would be difficult to find a taxi, so I went back and forth by bike. And I got there right away, ”Kanerva said with a smile.