Finland Opens Scoring with Early Penalty in UEFA Women’s Nations League

The Finland women’s team secured their inaugural three points in the 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League with a narrow 1-0 victory over the Hungary women’s squad in Budapest.

After suffering a 1-0 loss to Serbia last Friday, the Boreal Owls were eager to find their footing in Group B3 at the Hidegkuti Nandor Stadion, and they capitalised on an early opportunity just seven minutes into the match.

Adelina Engman made a determined run down the left flank, only to be halted by a careless foul from Luca Papp inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a penalty.

Eva Nystrom took the spot-kick and confidently dispatched it straight down the middle, sending Lauren Brzykcy the wrong way.

Brzykcy redeemed herself midway through the first half, pulling off a commendable save from an Oona Siren strike from just outside the box—Finland’s only other shot on target in the opening half, despite controlling much of the play.

The second half struggled to find its rhythm until Anni Hartikainen replaced Engman just before the hour mark.

Almost immediately, she made an impact, expertly connecting with Joanna Tynnila’s floated pass into the box and unleashing a stunning volley that Brzykcy managed to tip over the crossbar.

This marked the beginning of Hungary’s strongest period in the match. However, their closest attempt at an equaliser came from a Beatrix Fordos header which flew over the bar following a corner.

Finnish fans held their breath when Nystrom, who had converted the penalty just minutes earlier, nearly conceded one herself with seven minutes to go after a robust challenge on Emoke Papai.

Despite fervent claims from the Hungarian side, the referee deemed the defence to have executed a fair challenge.

The absence of any further excitement meant that Finland’s early strike was sufficient to secure their fourth win and fifth clean sheet in their last six matches.

This victory sees Marko Saloranta’s team level with Hungary on three points, although they remain behind on goal difference due to Hungary’s 2-0 triumph over Belarus on Matchday 1.

Meanwhile, Serbia’s encounter with Belarus ended in a scoreless stalemate, placing the Balkan team at the top of the group—at least until the competition resumes in April.