The Finland national football team, the Eagle Owls, stepped on stage in front of thousands at the Citizens’ Square in Helsinki on Tuesday. The players wanted to share their joy for qualifying to a major tournament in football for the first time in the history of the country.
The Eagle Owls’ manager, Markku Kanerva, won the nation’s hearts by taking the team to the Euro 2020 with his calm demeanor. Striker Teemu Pukki smiling in the background. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
’Oi Suomi on niin ihana, On meillä sauna, viina ja kirves, Oi Suomi on niin ihana.’ The song has been one of the most popular support songs during the games and afterparties. In English: “Oh, Finland is so wonderful, We have the sauna, the booze and the axe, Oh, Finland is so wonderful.” Video: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
Defender Joonas Toivio praised the crowd while filming a video with his mobile. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
Strikers Teemu Pukki and Eero Markkanen share a moment. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
Pukki took a moment to congratulate his grandmother whose birthday was on Tuesday. He said that he loves her. Video: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
Manager Markku Kanerva is the man, who is now known to conquer what many thought was impossible. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
Some fans had printed the face of Teemu Pukki on large cardboards. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
The joyous crowd of thousands were happy to see their heroes on stage. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
The players singing the national anthem was one of the highlights. Video: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
Teemu Pukki was escorted safely away by the security guards. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
