National cup

National Stadium
Spectators: 10300 (Terracing: 7725, Seating: 2369, VIP seats: 206) Alan Shearer made the kick off and thus started the match. 6 minutes into the game, Osmo Hannus lined in a short shot 1-0 behind a frustrated Crispin Carr. When U21 Finland's Osmo Hannus in the 19th minute got a chance for a shot 19th didn't hesitate and placed the ball to the right of the goalie. A beautiful save bye U21 England's goalie prevented a goal. Crispin Carr made a fantastic save in the 23rd minute, when Osmo Hannus sent off a good shot on target. When Kimi Santahuhta fell near the penalty area in the 23rd minute he thought he would be awarded a free kick. The referee ignored U21 Finland's protests and gave Kimi Santahuhta a yellow card for diving instead. In the 24th match minute, U21 Finland was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Kimi Santahuhta to maneuver through the defense. After a defensive mix-up in U21 Finland's zone, Austen Turner stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Robert Tikka came out of the goal and Austen Turner tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. The crowd rose to their feet as Paul Vihervä kicked a wonderful shot that went in to the left of a diving Crispin Carr. That made the score 2-1 in the 27 minute of play. Paul Vihervä's shot when he came free in front of the goal in the 29thth minute, Crispin Carr skillfully showed off with a save to what seemed to be an obvious goal. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Alan Shearer in the 37th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Robert Tikka prevented the ball from getting in the gole. Peter Tubbs sent away a hard shot on goal in the 39th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. An unexpectedly hard shot by Austen Turner in the 41st minute of play forced U21 Finland's goalkeeper Robert Tikka to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. After 43 played minutes U21 England got a freekick which was hit by Johnnie Birchall. All the noise was coming from the home fans when the whistle went for half-time. The home team had fought hardest to put themselves in a deserved lead.

The players of the home team were most fresh-looking when they entered the field to play the second half. Osmo Hannus was the one to do the kick off. An unexpectedly hard shot by Osmo Hannus in the 52nd minute of play forced U21 England's goalkeeper Crispin Carr to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. 62 minutes into the match, U21 Finland's goalkeeper Robert Tikka had to clear away a ball on his right side after a cunning shot by Austen Turner. In the 64th minute, Jo Beale got an opportunity to score, but he didn't get a solid hit on the ball and ended up kicking it wide of the goal. 66 minutes into the match, U21 England's goal looked a bit too open when Osmo Hannus came free, but Crispin Carr reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Alan Shearer recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 67th minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. An unexpectedly hard shot by Roni Kilponen in the 74th minute of play forced U21 England's goalkeeper Crispin Carr to throw himself to the left, to be able to save the ball. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Osmo Hannus in the 74th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Crispin Carr prevented the ball from getting in the gole. Austen Turner sent away a hard shot on goal in the 81st minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. U21 England's Les McMahon was substituted for Austen Turner. After 89 played minutes U21 Finland got a freekick which was hit by Esa Alatalo. When Alan Shearer in the 95th play minute got the chance to kick a hard shot on goal from short distance neither the defense or Robert Tikka kept up with the ball and suddenly the score was 2-4 when the ball slipped into goal inside the left pole.