‘If my chance comes, I’ll be ready’ – Finland keeper Talaslahti ready and waiting for opportunity

Katriina’s interview By Daniel Pentland / July 10, 2022

Original interview: click the picture below

The 21-year-old made her senior international debut for ‘The Boreal Owls’ against Georgia in April and she has a very bright future ahead of her.

In last night’s game between The Netherlands and Sweden, rookie goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar was wrongly written off by sections of the media after being called into action with little international experience. Van Domselaar impressed as the Dutch recorded a 1-1 draw. Talaslahti would be in a similar situation to Van Domselaar should she be called upon at this summer’s tournament but the keeper says that she is ready and waiting.

“I saw some minutes from yesterday’s game and it was sad to see their first choice keeper get injured but I’m happy that she came in,” Talaslahti told FAWSL Full-Time. “I think she did great and if my chance was to come, I am 100% ready, I have played many games for my club team.

“The next two games are going to be very difficult but I will definitely be ready to show my ability and help my team win. I am really ready to come on if the chance comes in either of those games.”

Despite not having a wealth of international experience, Talaslahti said that her experiences with club have prepared her well for her career in the Finnish national team.

She said “It helps you build experience and confidence ready for international football when you have some club games under you. I don’t think it would be such a huge challenge to go on the pitch to help Finland get the win, I think I have plenty of confidence.”

First choice Finnish goalkeeper Korpela is edging towards the end of her career and Talaslahti said that she has motivated the younger goalkeepers to carry on her legacy.

The youngster added “There is an age difference between us but she has been really great. She motivates us young goalkeepers to carry on her legacy when the time comes (that she retires).

“I feel like our team spirit is really good in training but I am always with the goalkeepers. It is nice to have the opportunity to train with the older goalkeepers.

“When my time comes, I will be 100% ready.”

Finland’s next match is against Denmark in Milton Keynes on Tuesday 12/7/2022 at 5PM.