Russia reacted after its large defeat against Belgium (0-3) on the first day of Euro-2021.

Stanislav Tchertchessov's players revived by beating Finland (1-0), Wednesday, June 16, at home in Saint Petersburg.

But the Russian selection did not have an easy match against the very close-knit Finns.

In fact, it is the latter who offer themselves the first opportunity.

In the 3rd minute, Joel Pohjanpalo is about to open the scoring.

Served by a cross from Jukka Raitala, he shoots with an uncrossed header, but his goal is disallowed for an offside position.

The Russians then monopolize the ball and are the most threatening.

Seven minutes later, alone at the far post, Magomed Ozdoev struck flat with his foot but his ball went over the Finnish goal.

The Sbornaja grows, but in front of it Finland presents a united and organized face.

The owls wait for the counter balloons to place some attacks.

Joel Pohjanpalo is the most prominent in the first half.

In the 21st minute, the Bayer Leverkusen entered the box, but his shot was blocked by a tackle from Igor Diveev.

Mirantchouk frees the Russians

Pushed by their public, the Russians continue to chain the opportunities, but they must separate from their striker Mario Fernandes, who goes out on a stretcher, injured in the neck, after a poor reception in the box.

On a cross from Daler Kouzyayev, Vyacheslav Karavayev gave himself a great opportunity to score the first goal, but Jere Uronen saved Finland from a perfect tackle.

In stoppage time, Russia is finally rewarded for its efforts.

Alekseï Mirantchouk finally managed to give way to the Finnish lock with a left-footed shot in the box towards the opposite skylight. 

# EURO2020 #FINRUS #RUS POPOPO this rolled up from the left 🔥👌 pic.twitter.com/YDaCzmCRWm

- EURO 2020 🇫🇷 (@ EURO2020FR) June 16, 2021

At the start of the second half, the Finns, with their backs to the wall, came back with vigor. In the 49th minute, Teemu Pukki entered the Russian box, but Igor Diveev blocked him with a superb tackle. Four minutes later, the Norwich City player did it again with another shot in the box, but his shot was caught by the Russian goalkeeper. The owls finally try to take the game for themselves, but fail to materialize.

The Russians then re-mobilize and try to aggravate the mark.

In the 65th minute, launched by Alekseï Mirantchouk in the box, Rifat Zhemaletdinov failed to make the break but his shot was too crossed and just missed the Finnish goal.

Ideally served at the far post, Daler Kouziaïev then has time to arm his shot with the right foot, but the opposing goalkeeper Lukáš Hrádecký does not tremble and pushes this dangerous action with one hand (72nd).

Ten minutes from the final whistle, the two teams accuse the blow physically and put the brake.

In lack of energy, opportunities are scarce.

In the 89th minute, the Finns gave themselves a last jump on a free kick.

Paulus Arajuuri takes a header, but his shot falls behind the crossbar.

Thanks to this success, Russia goes back to 2nd position in Group B, before the other Thursday meeting between Belgium and Denmark.

The Finns, winner of Denmark in their first match (0-1), are third, tied on points with the Belgians and the Russians. 

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