Video from Ville

Link to Ville's video on FaceBook

Back to Helsinki

The team had their final gathering tonight to share their thoughts about this trip. Now it's time to pack and head back to Helsinki. Tomorrow will be a long day of travel. Our flight leaves late in the afternoon on Tuesday and we won't be in Helsinki until late Wednesday afternoon.
Thanks for reading the blog. I know the players have enjoyed hearing from everyone either about the blog or from all the postings on Facebook.
I will try and add some video to the blog once we are back in Helsinki with a healthy and strong internet connection.

Team Finland Monday Tourists

Rain greeted us this morning on our one chance to do some touring of Rio. Our van picked us up at the Mellow Yellow Hostel and as we exited the tunnel into the next part of Rio, the sun was shining. We first visited the Christ the Redeemer statue finding lots of photo opportunities and then we made our way to a secondary hill for more photo opportunities. Another van ride and we found ourselves ready to ride the cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Every direction you turn you see the fabulous scenes of Rio. Back to the Hostel for the boys as they were hungry.

Fair Play Manager Award to HULI

Congratulations to Team Finland as they celebrate getting their silver plate and medals for 27th place in the Homeless World Cup. Special congratulations to Ari Hulden who received one of three Fair Play awards given to the managers by UEFA.

Kenneth talking with a fellow participant just before the medal ceremonies.

The presentation of medals begins.

Huli receiving his UEFA award.

The silver plate for Team Finland.

Captain Jani holding the silver plate.

The HWC medal.

Ari Hulden, UEFA Fair Play Coach.

Team Finland waiting their turn.

Waiting in the rain.

Timo and Huli at the after celebration.

Sunday, Philippines, Brazil, Brazil

The games this morning were the finals for each of the cups. Our team cheered hard for the Philippines who won the Host Cup.  The two big finals ended with Brazilian wins in both. Brazil - Mexico women and Brazil - Chile men. This afternoon the players will receive their medals and then we will gather for our final interviews of the tournament. It's been a great ride.

Brazil - Chile before the game

Chile played hard but were outscored by Brazil.

Ville had a prime viewing spot.

The crowd from the beach.

Can you spot Timo in the crowd?

Saturday, a VICTORY over Namibia

Team Finland finished their participation in the Homeless World Cup on a high note by beating Namibia for third place in the HOST CUP. This puts Finland into 27th place, it's highest position since the South African tournament in 2006. The team ended up winning 7 games out of 12 with the seven wins coming in their last nine games, which is pretty good.

Singing Maamme before the final game

Finland - Namibia

Oi Suomi On again!

Hei Patrick

Timo and Huli taking a break from their tactical discussion.

Looking good.

The tourney DJ

One more picture with Mona before she heads back to Atlanta.

Somebody famous showed up... anyone know who he is? Sure hope he is a football player. Found out: Marcelinho Machado a Brazilian National Team BASKETBALL player.

Huli wanted to be sure to get a picture with Mel and Mel said "always glad to have Finland here".