A Finnish player’s party caused a stir, he was kicked out of the national team – Then came another shock

Anni Hartikainen got into the EM-Helmar through the back door.

21-year-old Anni Hartikainen is considered one of Finland’s most promising players, but the general public remembers her for sleeping soundly after the gala night and being late for the national team’s game trip in December 2023.

Many suspected that this mistake might have also weighed on head coach Marko Saloranta’s mind when he decided to drop Hartikainen from the European Championship group.

– It was a big shock. This was my big dream. Especially when we reached the competition last year, I felt like I was one step closer to it, Hartikainen begins.

– Then the rug was pulled from under my feet. It felt bad, a big disappointment.

Hartikainen naturally discussed his situation with Saloranta. However, the head coach selected him as one of the five reserve players and also invited him to the Dutch training camp.

– I understood the decision, even though it was really hard to accept. It felt hard to accept that it was me.

“Now it’s time to go”

However, Hartikainen is now sitting as a member of the European Championship team at the Helmarie lodge in Geneva. The turning point came at the very last moments, when Adelina Engman was injured in practically the last training sessions.

A substitute player became a member of the team with one phone call.

– I feel really bad for Adde. I know everyone would have liked to come here. But I was really happy to get this opportunity.

– I saw that Make had called. I knew immediately what it was about. Well, now it was time to leave.

Hartikainen managed to stay at home in Kuopio for three days. However, the invitation to the games came so late that he did not have time to participate in the opening game against Iceland.

– I landed on the field just as the match started. I watched it a bit from the sidelines.

Hartikainen joined the team on Thursday. Naturally, he is aiming for a place in Sunday’s game against Norway.

– It was cool to arrive here at the hotel and see all this surroundings. This weather has been a bit of a shock. It was half the degrees in Kuopio, the player commented on the Swiss heat.

The European Championship dream came true with a little detour. Now I’m craving a little more.

– I hope we advance from this group and I get to show my skills on the field.