Finland (3) v (2) Czech Republic

By Fiona Crawford

COOL weather nations Finland and the Czech Republic played out a hard-fought match in an energy-sapping, 30-degree Melbourne afternoon, with Finland winning 3-2.

The Czech Republic team proved early that they're here to enjoy the tournament as much as to win it, wearing one red and one white sock each and giving themselves women's names such as Layla, Monica, and Daisy the Horrible for the commentating monikers.

The Czech Republic opened the scoring with Jan Jasukevic slotting one past the Finland keeper.

Finland's only female player - Anne Hirvasvuopio - put it on the board shortly afterwards with a sharp shot to the left top corner of the goal.

Karl-Bengt Henriksson then positioned well to convert a cross across the face of goal and Finland took the lead, 2-1.

The Czech Republic peppered the Finnish keeper with shots early in the second half, with Josef Bartos' shot finally slipping through the keeper's grasp to even the scores.

Czech Republic keeper, Igor Karpis, going by the pseudonym Daisy the Horrible, copped a ball to the groin region and was down for a few moments. His sense of humour kicked in quickly, though, and with a comedic wiggle of his hips, he continued playing.

Finland drew ahead again after some good build play created space for Henriksson to score his second goal of the match.

The Czech Republic dug deep to find a goal, but Finland defended hard and time ran out before it could equalise.

Finland now draws clear of the Czech Republic in Group H.

Photos: Photoworx