{{item.matchStats.time != null ? However, its qualifying group saw Finland have a chance of finishing in the top two and automatic qualification to Euro 2020. Before this tournament, Finland would hope to continue its upward trend during the UEFA Nations League qualifiers. After Uganda's return to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017, another east African nation returned to Africa's premier tournament after a 39-year absence. Finland needed to go abroad for another Mr. However, within two years, Finland achieved something most never thought would be possible. I was 13 years old when I attended my first Finland game. Uncomfortable surprises are always behind the corner and perhaps that is a reason why we tend to celebrate the good days a little bit more. Though it lost 2-0 in Italy to open qualifying, Finland managed goals from Frederick Jensen and Soiri, which were enough to defeat Armenia. Jyrki Heliskoski took over for the rest of the World Cup qualifying campaign, guiding Finland to victories over FYR Macedonia. The nation waited until Sept. 26, 1965, when it defeated Poland 2-0, to achieve its first World Cup qualifying victory. Euro 1984: Did not qualifyEuro 1987: Did not qualifyEuro 1989: Did not qualifyEuro 1991: Did not qualifyEuro 1993: Did not qualifyEuro 1995: Did not qualifyEuro 1997: Did not qualifyEuro 2001: Did not qualifyEuro 2005: Semi finalsEuro 2009: Quarter finalsEuro 2013: Group stagesEuro 2017: Did not qualify. 
The woman in the Finland hot seat is a recognisable face for British women's football fans; Finland are managed by Anna Signeul, who spent 12 years as Scotland manager between 2005 and 2017, guiding the team to their maiden major tournament at the 2017 European Championships. Tied on head-to-head points (3). The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. So much changed in the 19 months between Finland's qualification and May 2021 when the FIFA rankings were released before Euro 2020. matchDetails.details.venue.date.formattedDateFull : 'TBC'}}, {{matchDetails.details.venue.date.formattedTime}} ({{matchDetails.details.venue.date.timeZoneName}}), {{matchDetails.details.homeTeam.team.name}}, {{matchDetails.details.homeTeam.score.goals}} : {{matchDetails.details.guestTeam.score.goals}}, {{matchDetails.details.guestTeam.team.name}}, {{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.totalGoals}}/{{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.totalShots}}, {{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.goals7meters}}/{{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.shots7meters}}, {{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.warnings}}, {{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.suspensions2minutes}}, {{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.disqualifications}}, {{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.totalGoals}}/{{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.totalShots}}, {{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.goals7meters}}/{{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.shots7meters}}, {{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.warnings}}, {{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.suspensions2minutes}}, {{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.disqualifications}}, {{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.totalShots}}, {{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.totalShots}}, {{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.totalGoals}}, {{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.totalGoals}}, {{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.shots7meters}}, {{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.shots7meters}}, {{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.goals7meters}}, {{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.goals7meters}}, {{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.totalMisses}}, {{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.totalMisses}}, {{matchStatistics.homeStatistics.technicalFaults}}, {{matchStatistics.guestStatistics.technicalFaults}}, {{transmissionTime.type}}: {{transmissionTime.dateFormatted}} {{transmissionTime.timeZoneName}}, [Modules.Footer.SocialLinks.TickTok_en-US], {{(player.score.goalkeeperRecievedShots > 0 ? Finland's 1990 World Cup qualification campaign saw the nation overmatched against two heavyweights in West Germany and the Netherlands. She has been in charge of Finland since 2017, and her contract with the national team comes to an end this year. In the end, Kanerva took over for Paatelainen to finish Euro 2016 qualifying after another failed qualification, with the significant victory being a 1-0 road victory against former European champions Greece. Kanerva had the blueprint for the nation to reach Euro 2020, and the now the possiblities remain endless, including the hopes of reaching Euro 2024. The 3-0 victory against Liechtenstein secured Finland's first-ever qualification for a major tournament. Similar to Paatelainen, Stuart Baxter guided upstart AIK to a Champions League berth. If we wanted to do something extraordinary, if we wanted to write ourselves into the history books, then we would have to do it now. Tim Sparv is captain of Finland and plays for Larissa in the Greek Super League, It will mean so much: Finlands footballers stand on verge of history. A sturdy defensive record was pivotal to Finland qualifying for Euro 2022, with Kuikka a huge part of that. We revisit the journey that began in 2004 after missing out on Athens eight years earlier and what happened following the 2012 tournament. Frances playmakers aim to have success behind an offensive line led by Thomas Fileccia and Hugo Kappler. 
Along with former champions Italy and Greece, Finland needed to face Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, and Liechtenstein. In the 2010s, Iceland was one of football's biggest risers, having risen over 100 spots in five years. His managerial career included league titles in Denmark and Sweden and guiding Switzerland to the 1994 World Cup and the United Arab Emirates to the 2004 Asian Cup. On 15 November 2019, we were playing Liechtenstein at home in what was to become one of the most memorable days in Finnish football history. But having a cross from left winger Jere Uronen, Pohjanpalo not only had the first shot for Finland, but managed to score past Kasper Schmeichel. Still, Finland struggled in their remaining friendlies, including its final game before Euro 2020 in which the nation lost 1-0 to Estonia. France hopes to bounce back quickly after not playing in nearly two years. Until the hour mark, Finland did not even attempt a shot on goal. Where it was in 2016 was as low an ebb as any nation could be. 22, 2013, when Pukki scored the tying goal against the reigning World Cup champions Spain in Gijon. Then, two games await in Saint Petersburg's Krestovsky Stadium: Belgium and Russia also await Finland. With the core of players that featured at the 2009 UEFA Under-21 European Championships, Finland soon turned their form around, and they qualified for their first-ever major tournament, finishing second in Group J ahead of Greece and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Eventually, the game would go on once word that Eriksen was awake. On to Russia as Finland faced another co-host for Euro 2020 at St. Petersburg. 3:42 pm ET, opted to continue with the encounter after speaking with their teammate, Transfer news: Chelsea make push for Kounde, Kahn reveals how Bayern Munich avoid complacency, How to watch, live stream Corinthians vs. Coritiba, How to watch, live stream Flamengo vs. Juventude, Premier League kits 2022-23: Every shirt rated, Rodri: 'I feel at home, like it's my second family', Neymar features for PSG in Japan tour opener, Transfer roundup: City open Cucurella bidding, BVB's Haller diagnosed with testicular tumor, Free agent Dybala to join Mourinho at Roma. Defensive backs Hadrien Lynda, Amir Kilani, and Pierre Courageux and are three key players to watch out for on the back end. Finland beat Denmark 1-0 in 2020 UEFA European Championship Group B for a winning tournament debut in Copenhagen, but the encounter was overshadowed by Christian Eriksen's first half collapse and hospitalization. No nation defied all odds to qualify for a major tournament other than Yemen did to reach the 2019 Asian Cup. In Kanerva's return as manager, Finland defeated Morocco to win its first game in over a year. A five-match winless streak followed, including a home loss to Ukraine to confirm Finland's elimination from World Cup qualifying with four games to play. The game was goalless when the 29-year-old fell to the ground before quick intervention by the medical staff at Parken Stadium led to him quickly being declared awake and stable after hospitalization. The former Eastern Michigan Eagles (NCAA D1) defensive end looks to add a European medal to his decorated career. Antti Sumiala's 63rd-minute goal had Finland on the precipice, only for an own goal in stoppage time to deny Finland a playoff berth. Right. What seemed to be a possibility of qualification almost failed after a stunning result away in Zenica, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The hunger, fight, and fire that has been seen these last three weeks in our preparation says a lot about where we are as a team. Euro 2022 squad lists for all 16 countries, Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images. Defenders:Defenders: Elli Pikkujamsa (KIF Orebro), Tuija Hyyrynen (Juventus), Emma Koivisto (Free agent), Anna Auvinen, (Sampdoria), Nora Heroum (Lazio), Natalia Kuikka (Portland Thorns), Anna Westerlund (Aland United). Of course there is a deadly pandemic that prompts Uefa to delay the start of the Euro 2020 when Finland is about to take part for the first time in their long history. Mauritania was one of three nations that debuted at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. A rivalry revived will start in Parken Stadium for the first time since 2011. 
However, Finland managed a stunning draw against Norway. Finland will face an opponent from Group A should they qualify for the knockout stages - likely Norway or England. Finland had the timely goal, and the goalkeeper Luk Hrdeck had the notable play on 74 minutes. [1] Despite winning their opening game against Denmark, they exited in the group stage after losing their next two matches. Here's a look back at a century of moments that includes an infamous Euro 2008 qualifier in 2007 in Denmark and an epic draw in 2004 that caused some interesting controversy. The 2021 calendar year saw the nation have a rising star in Pukki. Hoping to achieve a promotion to face other European heavyweights, Finland contest six qualifiers between September and November 2020. section: | slug: uefa-euro-2020-denmark-vs-finland-score-eriksen-collapse-overshadows-finns-debut-european-win | sport: soccer | route: article_single.us | Im happy for my teammates and our staff, but I am even happier for our supporters who have waited so long for this day to come. The Scandinavian nation, who are in Group B alongside Denmark, Germany and Spain, are playing at the competition for the first time since 2013, when they were knocked out at the group stage. Ahead of a March 2007 road qualifier in Azerbaijan, Finland had its highest FIFA ranking ever at 33rd (it remains the nation's highest to date). When the original qualifying schedule came out, Finland was drawn into a five-team group and scheduled its first qualifier in October 2016. On the ground, ELF stars Phileas Pasqualini and Jason Aguemon, will share the load out of the backfield in a balanced French offense. However, three scoreless draws saw Finland in danger of missing out before the nation avenged its loss to Azerbaijan on Nov. 17, 2007. Every other summer weve bitterly asked ourselves: When is it going to be our turn?. Livestream: France @ Finland, October 30th, 13:00 CET (1 pm, 7 am ET). We were tough, aggressive and organised, like every Finland team should be, but we had added a touch of international flair. Were a resilient bunch of people, on and off the pitch. Finland's time has finally come: the inside story of qualification for Euro 2020.
As for Russia, Finland hopes for its first victory against Russia in over 100 years. Bambi on ice my coaches called me. Finland debuted at a qualifying tournament on June 16, 1937, at the now-demolished Rasunda Stadion in Stockholm, Sweden. Finlands offense is led by veteran quarterback Miro Kadmiry who has stated that today will be his last game as he leaves behind him a remarkable career that includes four championships and a league MVP. In 2022, the Indian Ocean archipelago reached the Round of 16 in its first major tournament - the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. The two best teams would qualify directly for the tournament and because Italy are, frankly, really good, it was up to the rest of us to battle it out for the other spot. Later named Bubi, an eagle owl inside Helsinki's Olympiastadion, delays a Euro 2008 qualifier between Finland and Belgium. Finland are one of two debutant nations at this summer's European football championships, alongside North Macedonia, and they have a great story to tell. The game ended 0-0 in a tedious affair but that was completely irrelevant. During this qualifying campaign, Finland even managed a 1-0 lead at Anfield in Liverpool before losing the match 2-1. However, a scoreless draw allowed England to qualify for the 2002 World Cup and consign Germany to a playoff.
In 2009, Switzerland pulled off one of soccer's notable upsets when it capped off its debut at the FIFA U-17 World Cup by upsetting host Nigeria to win the tournament. The transition begins a new era for the French as Head Jean-Philippe Danglor has taken over the program and injected it with youth. However, the 1-1 draw was not the notable result that Finland suffered under Baxter. A scoreless draw was the likely outcome heading into the half, until Aleksei Miranchuk curled his shot right before halftime. Three days later, Pukki scored from the penalty spot in Italy to tie the match. Impatient Finns can now say this is our turn, the waiting is over. Their group is probably the hardest at the competition, with progression representing a significant achievement for coach Anna Signeul. Finland failed to keep the early momentum, and on Mar. The Fiver: sign up and get our daily football email. Italy, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Greece, Armenia and Liechtenstein was our qualifying group for the Euro 2020. By the time the two nations met in Gelsenkirchen, Finland was out of qualifying. Nielsen stayed on to guide Finland during Euro 2000 qualifying. Finland reaching Euro 2020 was a milestone worthy of generations' celebrations to keep dreaming. Finland finished third in the qualifying group and was the only nation not to lose a home qualifier. Though it opened with two qualifying losses, Greece ultimately qualified for its first major tournament, with Finland missing out on Euro 1980 by one point. Baxter would not stay as the manager. These teams know each other well as France defeated Finland 21-14 on its home turf back in 2018 on its way to the Gold Medal. Two goals in 12 minutes were enough to secure a valuable victory. Despite Pukki's three goals in the first two matches, Finland only managed two draws, the second of which saw an 89th-minute goal to salvage a 1-1 draw after trailing 1-0 against Ukraine in Kyiv. Despite the disappointing endings in 2021, Finland made itself a name in a country where ice hockey is the nation's primary sport. Despite the physical challenges I faced they could also see a self-aware boy with a burning desire to improve. Pukki made sure Finland returned on track three days. Backe had guided Aalborg and Kbenhavn to Danish Superliga and Danish Cup titles but last coached in 2012. There are no statistics available for this match. As the year continued, Finland hoped to qualify for another tournament. He is currently Finland's goalkeeper coach, and it was in this position where Antti Niemi was Finland's top goalkeeper. At the first official Women's European Championships in 1984, matches comprised of two 35 minute halves.
It is not meant to be easy and smooth supporting Finland. It was the correct call to postpone the tournament but there is still that sense of disbelief and dark-humoured acceptance among those of us who have lived through so much adversity to get to this point. Time was ticking for me and my ageing teammates. Still, Finland finished strong in its qualifying campaign.
Hodgson left the post, and soon another Englishman took the reigns. The history of Finnish football is not the rosiest one, but neither is the history of our country. Pukki's 52nd-minute penalty kick was the only goal of a home victory against Greece on Sept. 5, 2019. Relive the journey that Madagascar undertook. Tim Sparv, Paulus Arajuuri and Lukas Hradecky lead the celebrations. In its penultimate qualifier, Finland scored a 1-1 draw in Croatia courtesy of Pyry Soiri's first-ever goal before finishing its qualification phase with a 2-2 draw against Turkey.
The Finns were, however, able to rebound with a Bronze medal in 2018. item.matchStats.time + "'" : item.matchStats.startTime}}, {{competition.dateFrom.formattedTournamentDate}} - {{competition.dateTo.formattedTournamentDate}}, {{matchDetails.details.venue.date.hasDate ? All Rights Reserved. In 1996, Finland had its coach the nation hoped to reach a major tournament. On Sept. 6, 1997, Litmanen opened the scoring in a vital match in Switzerland - a 2-1 victory in Lausanne ahead of its final match in qualifying. Natalia Kuikka is a three-time Finland player of the year recipient, and will be key to her country's chances this summer. Watch here: Livestream France @ Finland, October 30th, 13:00 CET (1 pm, 7 am ET), Alex is a former professional American football player who is now studying in London. The debut at a major tournament would come in 2021. Thanks to a 3-0 win we secured our place in a major mens tournament for the first time. In any other group, progressing to the quarter finals would be an attainable target for Finland, but it seems too big of an ask given the sheer quality of sides that they will come up against. The most vital wins came during a recently-established competition: the UEFA Nations League, where Finland played matches against Hungary, Greece, and Estonia. Lets hope this is the start of a more promising future for Finlands national team. Finland lost all three games; yet, many of those players represented Finland at the senior level, including Finland's only teenager on the squad, Teemu Pukki. The 61-year-old played and coached in the Damallsvenskan in her native Sweden for an assortment of sides for over 20 years - including two player-coach roles - before moving in to national team management in 1996, first with the Sweden youth sides and then with Scotland. What followed saw Iceland soar to new heights, including its historic achievement at Euro 2016. The opportunity came in Helsinki's Tln Jalkapallostadion (Finnish: Tl Football Stadium). The 26-year-old operates at full back in the NWSL, but tends to play at centre back for her country. I still remember the pitch invasion after the final whistle and how me and my teammates were lifted up in the air by ecstatic fans. That 1938 World Cup qualifier against Sweden was the first of 22 European World Cup qualifiers. That positive start began on Sept. 2, 2006, when Litmanen scored twice in Finland's 3-1 road victory in the first major qualifying match contested in Bydgoszcz, Poland. That draw, along with two 3-0 losses to Russia, consigned Finland with another third-place finish in qualifying. Currently the nation's captain and the captain for German club Bayer Leverkusen, Hrdeck was the best goalkeeper at the group stage of Euro 2020 and is currently on pace to be in the top 10 in caps. It remained 0-0 until Joel Pohjanpalo's opener on the hour mark from a Jere Uronen assist. I was a tall and lanky kid with growth spurt problems and therefore a serious lack of coordination. Nevertheless, Finland began winning when it mattered, and on Nov. 15, 2019, history unfolded on home soil. However, Finland suffered the shock loss throughout, losing 1-0 on an Emin Imamaliev goal in Baku. Finland still hoped for an important draw, but Romelu Lukaku's second goal sealed Belgium's victory. The Oct. 11, 1989, friendly against Trinidad and Tobago marked the first of what would become a national record 137 caps for Jari Litmanen. Highest Floor and Highest Upside in Each Round. Relive the early rocky road that included a low point when the club nearly went bankrupt. Consecutive victories over Greece and Hungary at its Olympiastadion had Finland atop its qualifying group. Had this law still been in place for Euro 2022 qualification, Finland would have scored 10 fewer goals and accumulated five fewer points. Pukki was Finland's undisputed star, and the nation achieved promotion to the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League. (player.score.goalkeeperSaves * 100 / player.score.goalkeeperRecievedShots).toFixed(2) : 0)}}. Finland did not appear at a major tournament until 2005, but have since qualified for four out of the last five European Championships. 6-keys: media/spln/soccer/reg/free/stories, at Every other summer weve watched in disbelief when our Nordic counterparts are having the time of their lives at a World Cup or a European Championship while we are forced to watch the whole thing on TV. I played for my country in every age-group and I captained our under-21 side in the European Championships in Sweden in 2009. 2022 Minute Media - All rights reserved. On June 2, 2001, Finland led 2-0 on a pair of Mikael Forsell goals but only managed a 2-2 draw. On the ground, Karri Pajarinen is a dangerous back who will have the tough task of breaking through an athletic French defense. The following campaigns did not have as many memorable events. Forwards:Adelina Engman (Hammarby), Sanni Franssi (Real Sociedad), Juliette Kemppi (IFK Kalmar), Amanda Rantanen (KIF Orebro), Jutta Rantala (Vittsj GIK), Jenny Danielsson (Al), Heidi Kollanen (KIF Orebro), Linda Sallstrom (Vittsjo GIK).
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Finland_at_the_UEFA_European_Championship&oldid=1030251929, Finland at the UEFA European Championship, Countries at the UEFA European Championship, Pages using national squad without sport or team link, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 24 June 2021, at 20:12. The two draws against Germany would be why Finland was out. Fizzing with energy, the 27-year-old can operate in midfield and at full-back, and will likely feature at left-back for Finland this summer. Finland qualified for Euro 2022 with an almost-perfect record, winning seven, drawing once and conceding just twice over the course of their eight games to top their group ahead of Portugal. Kanerva previously coached youth soccer, as he guided Finland to the 2009 UEFA U-21 Championships. Look for Torelli and 19-year old passer Leo Cremades to both get snap from under center. Impressive considering that in 2016, Finland failed to win a single game. Cue Hrdeck as the goalkeeper guessed correctly when Hjbjerg's struck his attempt weakly to the right, and in the end, Finland had the dream start despite all that transpired. On Sept. 3, 2010, Finland commenced its Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with what would be the first of six losses - the most notable being a 2-0 loss in Moldova, a match in which Hyppi received a red card after 36 minutes.
We aim for another European medal, we always have to look at the competition with high expectations, no matter the challenges we have to face.. A point away seemed possible, but Finland allowed the winning goal and lost. Kadmiry will look to get the ball to proven receivers Mikko Seppanan, along with former Helsinki Roosters teammates Kimi Linnainmaa and Arttu Erkkila. Finish second in the group and reach the semi finals, and the Group C winner will be their most likely opponent - again, presumably Sweden or the Netherlands. The 2019 Asian Cup marked the first major tournament for the Central Asian Nation. On the line for todays game is the IFAF European Bronze medal. No nation shocked the footballing world in 2016 more than when Guinea-Bissau qualified for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. Cologne calls on UEFA for Belarusian club ban, Shakhtar Donetsk launches 50 million court appeal over lost transfer fees. Emma Koivisto is one to watch for Finland - and a familiar face for WSL fans, having spent the past 18 months with Brighton. Finland have qualified once for a UEFA European Championship, the 2020 edition. I made my full international debut the same year and became an integral part of the Finland team for the next decade. It would be a while before that nation even won a qualifying match.Over many decades, ice hockey, not soccer, was regarded as the primary sport. However, Finland struggled in its next four qualifiers, including a scoreless draw in Moldova. In January 2006, Roy Hodgson coached his first games for Finland. As a child I dreamed of becoming a professional footballer now Im captaining my country at its first major tournament.
The 13-year-old me was inspired and I told myself that one day I would be out there playing for my country. Or will he be. No player on the squad proved more vital than Pukki; if his goal in Spain in 2013 announced his arrival, then Pukki's goals in Finland's first three qualifiers proved enough. I had taken time off school to travel down to Helsinki, with my dad and his friends for the World Cup qualifier against England in 2000. No nation overcame all odds to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations more than Burundi in 2019. We had a calm presence in Lukas Hradecky in goal, a dynamic Glen Kamara in midfield, Robin Lod creating chances and Teemu Pukki in exceptional goalscoring form. I was mesmerised by the Olympic Stadium with its floodlights and 35,000 football-crazy spectators. I was 32 years old in the spring of 2019 and my beloved Finland was still one of the few countries who had not qualified for a major tournament. On the other side of the ball, Finnish defensive backs Niko Roiko, Rufail Khalifa, and Lempinen, and Eero Vaija have the tough task of slowing down a talented group of French receivers. Now they look to earn the same medal in front of their home crowd today.
Finland's Teemu Pukki celebrates after scoring a penalty during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine. However, the COVID-19 pandemic altered the sporting landscape. The second loss occurred in a deciding match to determine promotion within the UEFA Nations League, with a 3-1 loss at Cardiff City Stadium. Mika-Matten Paatelainen scored the winning goal against Moldova to open up the qualifying campaign after Finland trailed 2-1.
Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. 250/1 (Oddschecker, 24/05/21, 12:00 CEST), This content is not available in your region, EURO 2020: This is your quick guide to Finland - form, fixtures, and players to watch. New stars continued to emerge as well. I should have been happy and satisfied with what I had achieved but I wasnt. Despite last-minute defeats and years of underachievement, players and fans alike did not give in. Finland trailed through the match but came back to tie 3-3. Nevertheless, six days later, Finland revived its campaign with a 2-0 victory over Belgium in a match that proved famous for an owl that swooped inside Helsinki and delayed the qualifier for six minutes. Three days later, Pukki scored the 83rd-minute goal to defeat Kosovo on the road. In a campaign where Finland finished third with only nine points (2 wins) and five goals, the notable result achieved came on Mar. Finland is a participant at the Euro 2020 and that makes me extremely proud. Not only did the Norwich City player become Finland's fifth player with over 100 caps, but his two goals in a 2022 World Cup qualifier made him the nation's all-time scoring leader. Nearly 14 years after qualifying for the 2004 Asian Cup, Turkmenistan qualified for the 2019 Asian Cup. Jari Litmanen, Sami Hyypia, Paul Scholes, Teddy Sheringham and all the other players I had long-admired were now here. In 1938, a Nordic nation began its first-ever qualifying campaign for a major tournament.