Day 4 in Poznan

We had two games today, so most of our day was spent at the venue at the end of Lake Malta. This is a man made lake that is used for rowing competitions. They tell us that it is 5 KM around the lake. Maukka has chosen to rent a bike so he can get around the lake, the team travels by bus to and from the accommodations and Timo and I are walking, getting in my 6 miles a day.

The first game was with Greece. Their second goalkeeper is a fan of the Finnish metal band Nightwish. Didn't help them, though as we were able to beat them 4 - 3. It was tied at the half, but Joni came out in the opening seconds of the second half and scored to put us ahead.

The second game later in the afternoon was with Namibia. Score was Finland 1, Namibia 8. Not a happy result, but the team played a good game.

Tuesday's games will be against Brazil and Costa Rica, so Huli labeled this pair of matches as the COFFEE Day. It's raining this morning, but hopefully will be dry by game time. We have had a good variety of weather including plenty of wind. The direction of the wind has been perfect as any balls going from the field into the water are pushed right back to the shore.

Day 3

Successful day on the pitch as Finland and Sweden met in their opening game of the tournament. Final score, Finland 4 Sweden 2. We may have won the game but the overall feeling was one of friendship. We enjoyed the vocal support of the guys from Norway, friends we met in the tournament they sponsored in Norway in June. There was also a new fan in the crowd, a fellow Finn who now lives in Poland and has a business here. Lunch was a little questionable as it was a small yogurt, a nectarine, two large pastries and water. I think the guys were a little hungry after they played but they headed to the Lech Poznan game for the opening ceremonies. Teemu carried the flag for Finland on the field. There even is a Finnish player on the Lech team. The Lech team won, so all ended well for Day 3.

Parade Day

Parade Day August 10, 2013

The teams gathered at the Galleri Mall to prepare for a parade of flags to the venue. Lots of songs from many of the countries. Team Finland carried the flags of Finland greeting the spectators as they walked.  A local band and baton twirlers led the parade. Jarno had the honor of carrying the flag onto the field for the opening ceremony. When all the teams were introduced the draw for the tournament was held with local dignitaries and Mel Young, the President of the HWC drawing the team names. Finland is in Group B with Brazil, Costa Rica, Namibia, Greece and long time friends and rivals Sweden. Our first match will be with Sweden at 14:30 local time. Following the festivities, the teams were treated to a BBQ Polish style, with kielbasa and pork on the grill and lots of salads and potatoes and pickles available. An interesting dish was what at first looked like a crock of mashed potatoes, but instead it was a crock of lard. It is traditional to spread a small amount of the lard on a piece of bread and then add salt. The rest of the time was spent enjoying the sunset over Lake Malta, watching for mosquitos and then heading back to the Galleri Mall for an ice cream or a coffee. Tomorrow as the games begin the guys will hopefully enjoy the spirit of the tournament. Good luck Team Finland

Day 2 in Poznan

Our day began with a practice after breakfast. Teams from several countries gathered in the small park near the university to hold practices. The guys seemed in good spirits and were willing to let me video a circle of thoughts, which I will post in the blog if I can. After a quick shower it was off to lunch at the food court in the Galleri Mall. Hopefully tomorrow they will be getting lunch at the venue. Teppo attended the team captain's meetings and Maukka and Timo attended the managers meeting. Next is the parade of teams that will go from the Galleri Mall to the venue at the other end of Lake Malta for the opening ceremonies and then a BBQ. More later...

Photos from day 1 in Poznan

First team picture of the trip in the Helsinki airport

Our prop plane to Poznan

Poznan, we have arrived

One last bus ride and we are at the accommodations

Burger King lunch

Team Finland is ready to travel to Poznan, Poland.

August 10th, 2013 marks the opening of the Homeless World Cup in Poznan, Poland. Team Finland has completed their final training, received their team uniforms and will be meeting at the Helsinki airport on Friday to make their way to the tournament. The team roster is Joni, Jani, Kaapo, Santeri, Jarno, Teppo, Juuso and Teemu. I will introduce them to you as the tournament gets underway. There will be posts on this blog as well as on Facebook. See you from Poznan.

Poznan, we have arrived.

Team Finland took the early route to Poznan today. The Tampere crew left at 1:30AM and arrived in Helsinki before 5:00AM. Check in was pretty easy this year with only one name glitch, two letters switched in Joni's name, but all taken care of now. Jani survived his first plane ride, first on the big Lufthansa plane and then on the prop plane from Munich to Poznan. Waiting for us at the airport was a young lady in a yellow t shirt ready to spend the week with us. Klaudia has already taken us on a great walk around Lake Malta to find the venue. The three fields and the practice field are right on the edge of the lake. Going to be interesting to see how many balls end up in the water! It's quite a walk from the dorm where the guys are staying to the venue, probably a good 40 minutes. There is a really nice mall within a short walking distance for them with a good food court and lots of good shops. Tomorrow we need to find the old part of town. Tomorrow I will also start introducing you to the members of Team Finland Poland.