Finland boosted their hopes of reaching a first-ever FIFA World Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Poland in Helsinki on Tuesday, sending them to the top of Group G in European qualifying.
Goals from Joel Pohjanpalo and substitute Benjamin Källman secured the crucial win for the hosts, who now sit on seven points from four matches. Despite a late scare and a prolonged interruption due to a medical emergency in the stands, Finland held firm to claim all three points.
The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when Finnish forward Pohjanpalo dispossessed Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, who then brought down Robin Lod in the box. Pohjanpalo calmly converted the penalty to give the home side the lead.
Finland doubled their advantage in the 64th minute when Oliver Antman played a precise low cross into the area, where Källman rifled the ball into the net just minutes after coming on. Poland responded quickly, with Jakub Kiwior bundling the ball over the line in the 69th minute to make it 2-1.
The match was halted in the 80th minute due to a serious medical emergency in the crowd, which led to a lengthy delay. Once play resumed, Poland pushed for an equalizer but failed to break through the resolute Finnish defense.
Poland’s preparations were already under strain before kickoff due to the absence of star striker Robert Lewandowski, who has refused to play under coach Michał Probierz after being stripped of the captaincy. With Piotr Zieliński also unavailable due to injury, Poland lacked leadership and cutting edge in attack.
Finland’s win lifts them to the top of Group G, one point ahead of the Netherlands, who thrashed Malta 8-0 but still have two games in hand. Poland sit third with six points from three matches, leaving the group wide open as the qualifying campaign continues.
With momentum on their side and belief growing, Finland’s dream of a historic first World Cup appearance is very much alive.
