08.06.2012, 02:29
Finland with clear goals

Finland looking to follow up their sucess of their youth programme

Finland with clear goals for Phase 1

The men’s national team of Finland has set a clear goal for the EHF Euro 2014 Phase 1 qualification tournament in Cyprus: they are aiming to top Group A and reach the Phase 2 of the qualification process.

Two years ago Finland came close, now with a more experienced team led by the star players Jac Karlsson and Andreas Rönnberg,  Finland are hoping to surprise the favourite Ukraine in the opening Group A match.

Källman looking to follow up youth programme's success

"We have trained together for several weeks and after two good friendly games against Estonia, the atmosphere in the squad is really good" commented the Finnish Head Coach, former handball legend Mikael Källman.

Källman continued: "Six players out of the 16 man squad are 22 years old or even younger. Thus giving the squad a mixture of experience and young talent, which is a logical output of the systematic work on youth national teams by the national federation. During the past four years three Finnish youth teams have reached Euro finals, and gradually it is time for these youngsters to break through in the men’s national team."

Finland take on Ukraine, Cyrpus and Luxembourg in Group A. The schedule of matches, and results over the weekend, can be found on the competition and results page on the eurohandball.com website.

Follow Finland's progress in Group A and check out the standings of the other teams in the other three groups. Matches which will be shown on television can be found on Hot on TV. Check local listings for further information.

TEXT: Jari Henttonen