The Outsiders · Nation to Glory
Take Finland to Glory
“patient debut-makers”
The press pack calls Finland eagle-owls and quiet self-belief, and files them as patient debut-makers. The bookmakers put them in the outsiders at 250/1 – 500/1.
▶ Play as Finland
- The bookmakers
- The Outsiders — 250/1 – 500/1
- The federation's target
- Get out of the group
- Your spine, as your predecessor's notes describe it
- In goal, Jääskeläinen, but everyone can pronounce him. At the back, Hyypiä, but he jumps higher. Running midfield, Tainio, but indestructible. Up front, Litmanen, the King, but fully fit.
One World Cup, forty-odd decisions, no second leg. Pick the shape, name the squad, make the calls from the touchline, and see how far Finland can go. Free to play, one sitting, no sign-up.
▶ Play as Finland
The Favourites · 6/1 – 12/1
The Contenders · 16/1 – 40/1
The Dark Horses · 66/1 – 150/1
The Outsiders · 250/1 – 500/1
The Improbables · 1000/1 and drifting