Finnish Football | Veikkausliiga | 01.07.17 - 02.07.17

A few matches yesterday, a few today. The schedule is tight as the teams are in the middle of the Euro-qualifications. Yes, there is some Confederations Cup finals and such as well, but I'll still support my local team(s).

01.07.2017 (UTC +3)

Only two games were played. FC Lahti travelled to Jyväskylä to play against the suffering league bottom JJK. In the city of Tampere, Ilves played against KuPS.

JJK - FC Lahti | 17:00 | 1-3

JJK is going down. No question. This was prediced by many at the start of the season, but I guess no one realized how troubled their road will be.

The first half went "ok", and this has been their thing. They can only play the first half. The fitness is the only aspect that should be at the same level with other teams, but this is not the case. There is no explanation what has been done wrong, but at least it is partly due the small size of the squad (at least quality players for the league). Most of the players are either young, old or belong to the lower divisions. Sad.

FC Lahti won 1-3. The second half was too easy for them and they could have finished a lot more. The goalscorers of the match were T. Kari (1-0, 35'), Stênio (1-1, 51'), Hertsi (1-2, 55') and Hertsi again (1-3, 72').

Ilves - KuPS | 17:00 | 1-0

A dull game. Not much to say. KuPS had a lot of changes to score but failed miserably. Ilves attacker Tuco scored the only goal of the game (1-0, 12') from a catastrophic mistake by the KuPS defense.

The bad form and hardship continue for KuPS. Ilves will be very happy with the win.

02.07.2017 (UTC +3)

Today we go once again. HJK, VPS and IFK M of the teams competing in Euro-games playing today while SJK will have a rest. It will be interesting to see which team can cope the best with the fatigue and fight the battle on both the fronts.

FC Inter - HJK | 18:30

FC Inter need to bounce back from the awful 5-0 loss against IFK M. HJK, The best team in the league, will not be an easy piece for sure, but they are facing them at a correct time in the middle of the busy Euro-schedule.

HJK will need to rest their players as they desperately need a home win in the next Euro-game as they managed to lose 1-0 in Wales against a much smaller side Connah's Quay Nomads.

VPS - IFK M | 18:30

VPS has been magnificent this season. The question is if they have enough squad to play this through. They will have to keep the players fresh for the Euro-qualification games, but the busy schedule could be an advantage as well if they feel the vibe and play relaxed but disciplined.

IFK M in the othehand is preparing for their own mission on the Euro-fields as they meet Legia Warsaw in Champions League Qualifications. IFK M managed to beat FC Inter 5-0 at home in their last match. I am excpecting a very interesting match.