A week ago, Finland would probably have taken this position: take a point from its final group game against Belgium, and it should qualify for the last 16 at Euro 2020. In its first tournament, that would be a remarkable achievement. But, having beaten Denmark over the weekend, following up with a 1–0 defeat to a largely uninspired Russia side playing on home soil on Wednesday inevitably felt anti-climactic.
Saturday was a strange day for Finland. Under normal circumstances, the momentous occasion would have been cause for celebration. Winning should have made it an unforgettable day—and it was unforgettable, but not for the 1–0 victory.