Italy (9) v (6) Finland
Group D leader Italy has defeated fourth-ranked Finland 9-6 in a fast and highly-skilled contest at Melbourne pitch
Italy (9) v (6) Finland
By Emily Day
GROUP D leader Italy has defeated fourth-ranked Finland 9-6 in a fast and highly-skilled contest at Melbourne pitch.
Italy’s controlled passing and structured plays were reminiscent of the Brazilian team, but they weren’t enough to get past the strong Finnish defence early on.
With shot after shot eluding the net and skilful defending on both sides, it was hard for either side to dominate the game.
The first goal was scored by Italy after two-and-a-half minutes, followed by three more in quick succession.
Finland was not to be discouraged, and a penalty seconds later put the Finns on the board, bringing the score to 4-1.
Italy’s Roberto Passio was a powerhouse, approaching a bouncing ball with a confident strike which flew past Finnish keeper Jari Aarne Aberg and into the back of the net.
Finland’s talented female player, Anne Hirvasvuopio, nabbed their second goal with some tricky feinting.
But Italy responded in seconds, with Passio bringing the score to 6-2.
Another goal from Finland before the half time whistle saw them coming back into the game at 6-3.
The tables turned for the second half, with Italy seeming confused and losing their control, while Finland, led by Hirvasvuopio, controlled the game early on, notching up another goal to make it a respectable 6-4.
Finland got another goal, but a sneaky Italian strike through a Finnish player’s legs saw the score at 7-5.
It seemed like the game could go either way, but after a fantastic team goal from Finland was answered by two snappy goals from Italy, the final whistle blew with victory safe in the hands of the Italians.
Photos: Photoworx