Wow. Fair play to Koskinen and his side for outclassing Slavia Prague, that's very impressive. Admittedly, Vojvodina present a much easier task than Slavia did, in my view.
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Impressive win once again over a team who have much more experience in European competitions, long may this European run continue!
Peimari Earn Crucial Advantage In Serbia
Peimari United Were Narrow 2-1 Victors In First Leg Away To FK Vojvodina
21/07/2022
Finnish Veikkausliiga side Peimari United put themselves into the ascendancy in their UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie against Serbia SuperLiga side FK Vojovodina with a 2-1 win at Karadjordje in Novi Sad, Serbia. A brace from Senegalese midfielder Moussa Faye gave Peimari United an early two-goal cushion. Nemanja Vucic halved the deficit in the first half, but the Finnish side held on to the 2-1 scoreline for the duration of the remainder of the first leg. The return leg will be played next Thursday at Kupittaan jalkapallostadion in Turku, Finland.
Senegalese midfielder had enjoyed an incredible set of games against SK Slavia Praha, scoring three times over two legs, and showed his goal scoring touch from range once again in Serbia. Right-sided full back Niko Lehtinen charged forward into acres of open space with the ball before cutting back to Moussa Faye on the edge of the D of Vojvodina's box. Faye took a touch to steady himself and, upon realising that there was no opposition defender closing him down, Faye curled the ball into the top-right corner.
Minutes later, Moussa Faye scored his, and Peimari's, second goal of the game. Full back Niko Lehtinen led a promising-looking counter attack down the right wing for Peimari United. Vojvodina's players continued their stand-off approach in defence, allowing the teenage full back to bomb forward at speed without the irritation of any tackles or challenges on him. Lehtinen lofted a through ball into the path of striker Jesper Santanen, who miscontrolled his first touch. The ball, however, fell kindly to Moussa Faye who smashed a high shot through the hands of Vojvodina goalkeeper Emil Rockov and into the back of the net, putting Peimari United 2-0 up after fifteen minutes.
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Ten minutes later, the hosts halved the deficit. The goal came from a corner routine, with Velibor Subasic sending in a dangerous, curling near-post cross. Nemanja Vucic got to the ball, powering a header at goal from close range. Peimari goalkeeper Tornike Dzadzamia got a strong hand to the ball to parry the shot, but the ball fell kindly back into the path of Nemanja Vucic who poked the ball into the goal to put Vojvodina back into the game, and the tie.
Peimari United got back into the flow of things and dominated possession throughout the remainder of the game. There were a couple of scares for the visitors, with Velibor Subasic striking the woodwork twice from range. Jesper Santanen scooped a one-on-one over the bar just before half-time for the visitors, who held on to their 2-1 scoreline for the remainder of the game.
The one main upset for Peimari United was an injury to brace-scoring midfielder Moussa Faye late on in the game. The Senegalese midfielder was hurt in a fifty-fifty challenge with Vojvodina midfielder Filip Jovic. Faye appeared to twist his knee awkwardly and required attention from physios. Peimari's number eight played at the remainder of the game, but has become a doubt for the second leg of the tie next week.
Senegalese midfielder had enjoyed an incredible set of games against SK Slavia Praha, scoring three times over two legs, and showed his goal scoring touch from range once again in Serbia. Right-sided full back Niko Lehtinen charged forward into acres of open space with the ball before cutting back to Moussa Faye on the edge of the D of Vojvodina's box. Faye took a touch to steady himself and, upon realising that there was no opposition defender closing him down, Faye curled the ball into the top-right corner.
Minutes later, Moussa Faye scored his, and Peimari's, second goal of the game. Full back Niko Lehtinen led a promising-looking counter attack down the right wing for Peimari United. Vojvodina's players continued their stand-off approach in defence, allowing the teenage full back to bomb forward at speed without the irritation of any tackles or challenges on him. Lehtinen lofted a through ball into the path of striker Jesper Santanen, who miscontrolled his first touch. The ball, however, fell kindly to Moussa Faye who smashed a high shot through the hands of Vojvodina goalkeeper Emil Rockov and into the back of the net, putting Peimari United 2-0 up after fifteen minutes.
Moussa Faye Scored A Wonderful Brace For Peimari United
Ten minutes later, the hosts halved the deficit. The goal came from a corner routine, with Velibor Subasic sending in a dangerous, curling near-post cross. Nemanja Vucic got to the ball, powering a header at goal from close range. Peimari goalkeeper Tornike Dzadzamia got a strong hand to the ball to parry the shot, but the ball fell kindly back into the path of Nemanja Vucic who poked the ball into the goal to put Vojvodina back into the game, and the tie.
Peimari United got back into the flow of things and dominated possession throughout the remainder of the game. There were a couple of scares for the visitors, with Velibor Subasic striking the woodwork twice from range. Jesper Santanen scooped a one-on-one over the bar just before half-time for the visitors, who held on to their 2-1 scoreline for the remainder of the game.
The one main upset for Peimari United was an injury to brace-scoring midfielder Moussa Faye late on in the game. The Senegalese midfielder was hurt in a fifty-fifty challenge with Vojvodina midfielder Filip Jovic. Faye appeared to twist his knee awkwardly and required attention from physios. Peimari's number eight played at the remainder of the game, but has become a doubt for the second leg of the tie next week.
FK Vojvodina 1-2 Peimari United 
Player Ratings:
FK Vojvodina:
GK:Rockov (6.7)
DR:Stojkovic (6.3)
DCR:Pavlovic (6.6)
DCL:Sanicanin (6.8)
DL:Ljubicic (6.8) [72']
DMCR:Bainovic (6.9) [67']
DMCL:Vucic (7.5)
MC:Jovic (6.7)
AMR:Subasic (6.9)
AML:Zlatanovic (6.8) [77']
ST:Simic (6.5)
Subs Used:
Sub 1:Neskovic (6.7) [67']
Sub 2:Antic (6.8) [72']
Sub 3:Okeuhie (N/A) [77']
Manager:Vladen Jankovic
Peimari United:
GK:Dzadzamia (7.2)
DR:Lehtinen (8.3)
DCR:Yuri (6.9)
DCL:Holma (6.6) [68']
DL:Karlsson (7.0)
DM:Hyökyvirta (7.2)
MCR:Seppälä (7.6)
MCL:Faye (9.1)
AMR:Larsson (7.2)
AML:Köhlert (6.8) [68']
ST:Santanen (6.8) [85']
Subs Used:
Sub 1:Latham (6.7) [68']
Sub 2:Ollila (6.8) [68']
Sub 3:Claeys (N/A) [85']
Manager:Kalle Koskinen
Rockov (6.7)
Sanicanin (6.8)
Okeuhie (N/A) [77']
Dzadzamia (7.2)
Lehtinen (8.3)
Yuri (6.9)
Faye (9.1) 
Köhlert (6.8) [68']
Latham (6.7) [68'] 
Claeys (N/A) [85']
Peimari United Took Home Two Away Goals From The First Leg Of The Tie
Kalle Koskinen:
"Job done, well done to the boys. It was a tough game today, for sure. The temperature was over thirty degrees today, which made it very difficult for the players to play. We needed a couple of water breaks to keep the players going, and I think the difficulty caused by the heat showed in the second half when the game slowed down. The conditions were tough but we did well to get through it with the win, and it is another good experience to have in our books.
The injury that Moussa (Faye) picked up isn't too serious. It was a nasty collision with a player from the other team and he was left in a small bit of pain. I don't think it it is too bad. His knee is a little bit swollen now and we won't know the full extent of his injury until we get back to Finland and get a scan on it. He might miss the return leg next week but we hope it is not that bad. The good thing is that Moussa is a very athletic lad and he recovers from little niggles quite quickly, so hopefully it is nothing too bad."
Comment Section
Jack, ScottT & TheLFCFan | A brilliant set of results but the biggest challenges are ahead of us!Previous Update: #106 - Peimari Stroll To Europa League Progression
Next Update: #108 - Claeys Moves To FC Inter Milan In Record Sale
An excellent start to the tie. The two away goals could prove to be a major benefit going into the home leg!
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Claeys Moves To FC Inter Milan In Record Sale
Belgian Striker Guido Claeys Joined Inter Milan From Peimari United For €2,000,000
24/07/2022
Nineteen year-old Belgian striker Guido Claeys today completed his transfer move from Finnish Veikkausliiga side Peimari United to Italian Serie A side Inter Milan on a three-year contract. The Belgium U21s star cost a fee of €2,000,000 which marked the end of his one-year stay at Peimari Untied, having joined on a free transfer a year ago on a free transfer from American side FC Boston Bolts.
Claeys enjoyed a semi-successful time at Peimari United since joining. He came into the club last season towards the end of the Veikkausliiga, and made twelve appearances in the league that season. Claeys showed incredible form, scoring six goals and assisting three more as he set down a very good marker. The media had tipped Claeys for a wonderfully-bright future in football, and many expected him to leave the Veikkausliiga for greater heights sooner rather than later.
Claeys struggled for form during the current season for Peimari United, however, and found himself falling out of the team due to poor form. Claeys scored just five goals, assisting one more, in twenty-four appearances in all competitions. Claeys often found himself out of the team, with Jesper Santanen preferred in some of the bigger games.
Claeys joins Inter Milan's youth team, with the view of working his way up and into the senior team at some stage. Claeys is unlikely to get anywhere near the same amount of senior/first-team football as he did at Peimari United, and many pundits and football experts have publicly criticised Claeys' decision to leave Peimari United for a place in Inter Milan's youth team.
The fee of €2,000,000 paid for Guido Claeys comes as a record sale for any Finnish club. The previous biggest sale of any Finnish club was the sale of Finnish striker Teemu Pukki from HJK to German side FC Schalke 04 back in August 2011 for a €1,500,00 fee. Claeys' fee eclipsed that by a third of Pukki's sale value, and has set the bar high for suitors of any of the Veikkausliiga's other top prospects.
Peimari United manager Kalle Koskinen congratulated Guido Claeys on his move to Inter Milan and insisted that Claeys has a bright future in football. When asked whether he would be looking to sign a replacement, Koskinen suggested that he was in the market for a new striker but would not be investing anywhere near the full fee acquired for Claeys' signature.
There have been some suggestions, or rumours, that Peimari United chairman Antti Eklund accepted the bid on Kalle Koskinen's behalf. This rumour was confirmed by Koskinen, and showed a side of the chairman where he undermined his manager, who was active in negotiations with other football clubs regarding the sale of Guido Claeys. Kalle Koskinen was reportedly furious with his chairman's actions, having negotiated better deals with other clubs. However, Koskinen denied having a confrontation with his chairman over the sale.
Claeys enjoyed a semi-successful time at Peimari United since joining. He came into the club last season towards the end of the Veikkausliiga, and made twelve appearances in the league that season. Claeys showed incredible form, scoring six goals and assisting three more as he set down a very good marker. The media had tipped Claeys for a wonderfully-bright future in football, and many expected him to leave the Veikkausliiga for greater heights sooner rather than later.
Claeys struggled for form during the current season for Peimari United, however, and found himself falling out of the team due to poor form. Claeys scored just five goals, assisting one more, in twenty-four appearances in all competitions. Claeys often found himself out of the team, with Jesper Santanen preferred in some of the bigger games.
Claeys joins Inter Milan's youth team, with the view of working his way up and into the senior team at some stage. Claeys is unlikely to get anywhere near the same amount of senior/first-team football as he did at Peimari United, and many pundits and football experts have publicly criticised Claeys' decision to leave Peimari United for a place in Inter Milan's youth team.
The fee of €2,000,000 paid for Guido Claeys comes as a record sale for any Finnish club. The previous biggest sale of any Finnish club was the sale of Finnish striker Teemu Pukki from HJK to German side FC Schalke 04 back in August 2011 for a €1,500,00 fee. Claeys' fee eclipsed that by a third of Pukki's sale value, and has set the bar high for suitors of any of the Veikkausliiga's other top prospects.
Peimari United manager Kalle Koskinen congratulated Guido Claeys on his move to Inter Milan and insisted that Claeys has a bright future in football. When asked whether he would be looking to sign a replacement, Koskinen suggested that he was in the market for a new striker but would not be investing anywhere near the full fee acquired for Claeys' signature.
There have been some suggestions, or rumours, that Peimari United chairman Antti Eklund accepted the bid on Kalle Koskinen's behalf. This rumour was confirmed by Koskinen, and showed a side of the chairman where he undermined his manager, who was active in negotiations with other football clubs regarding the sale of Guido Claeys. Kalle Koskinen was reportedly furious with his chairman's actions, having negotiated better deals with other clubs. However, Koskinen denied having a confrontation with his chairman over the sale.
Kalle Koskinen:
"Everybody at Peimari United wishes Guido Claeys the best of luck with the rest of his football career. He has moved to a very ambitious, and well-respected, football club in Inter Milan and he can be very happy with being able to make the next step in his football career. Guido was a very hard-working professional for Peimari United who constantly who gave his all every single day to better himself and the football club, and he will always have a family here in Paimio.
We are looking to bring in a new striker to the club during the current transfer window. With Guido gone, we only have two strikers currently at the club in Jesper (Santanen) and Rasmus (Nielsen). We will need another player to come in to be competitive for a starting position and to give us another option when we need it. It is not possible, however, for us to spend anywhere near the fee we received for Claeys. We may spend some money, but it will be very small in comparison. A big fee is just not possible right now.
It is true that Antti (Eklund) dealt with the transfer move of Claeys to Inter Milan on my behalf. We were in negotiations with a number of other clubs but the money we received for Claeys was very good. It was a big offer which was hard to turn down, so Antti decided to make the sale. I have no problem with that."
Comment Section
ScottT | The away goals are massive. They could make all the difference in the end!Previous Update: #107 - Peimari Earn Crucial Advantage In Serbia
Next Update: #109 - Peimari Hang On To Ensure Progression
Congratulations to Guido for his move to Inter - a club of real excellence and tradition. I can understand his motives behind moving to Italy, certainly. It's a huge amount of money for Peimari and a fee that I'm sure they'll gladly take. It's perhaps surprising that Inter have opted to buy now when he's experiencing a somewhat troublesome period in-front of goal in comparison to what we have witnessed from him before now. However, I'm sure the club have their reasons for making a move now. His price tag may have dropped ever so slightly to when he was at the peak of his powers. It's disappointing to hear Koskinen was undermined by his chairman and perhaps this could lead to some underlying damage in their relationship. The extra funds would have been fantastic, but there is certainly enough to bring in an adept replacement and further invest into the squad or other aspects.
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A big move for someone who hadn't impressed to his standards so far this year. A couple million is a good fee to recoup for someone that Kalle found on a free. Hopefully this doesn't cause a disagreement between board and manager though!
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Peimari Hang On To Ensure Progression
Peimari's 1-1 Draw With FK Vojvodina At Kupittaan Jalkapallostadion Ensured A 3-2 Aggregate Victory
28/07/2022
Peimari United ensured their European adventure did not come to an end as their 1-1 draw at home to Serbian SuperLiga side FK Vojvodina in the second leg put the Finnish Veikkausliiga side through with a 3-2 aggregate victory in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. Both goals came very late on, with Vojvodina finding the net first on the night through Dragan Simic. The visitors required a second goal, due to Peimari United's away goal advantage, but the Finnish side had the last laugh as central defender Rasmus Holma scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time to rubber stamp Peimari United's progression in the UEFA Europa League.
Despite the success of a 2-1 victory in the first leg in Serbia, Peimari United's Senegalese midfielder Moussa Faye picked up a knock as he twisted his knee in the game, and failed a late fitness test for the second leg as he was forced to watch on from the sidelines. Croatian teenage midfielder Silvio Tokic came in to replace Moussa Faye in the starting lineup, but the home side's midfield looked considerably weaker without their star player in the middle of the park, with Vojvodina's changed shape causing Peimari plenty of problems early on.
The visitors will look back at missed chances in the first half and rue not taking them with more composure, as Igor Zlatanovic hit the woodwork twice early on. The first came from a good move down the left-hand side for Vojvodina, with Zlatanovic getting on the end of the move before picking out the far post with a sliced finish. Zlatanovic then hit the near post with a header after good work down the right by Velibor Subasic.
Peimari United will be thanking their Georgian teenage goalkeeper Tornike Dzadzamia for a strong performance, with the former Dinamo Tbilisi shot stopper saving ten shots on goal throughout the game. His saves included a stunning one-versus-one save against Dragan Simic, who looked to loop the ball over Dzadzamia's right arm, unsuccessfully. Dzadzamia then reacted quickly to parry a close-range header from Vojvodina's Strahinja Pavlovic late on.
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Vojvodina got the goal they were looking for in the 84th minute from a fast-moving counter attack down the left. Arandjel Stojkovic made a brilliant run through Peimari's side of the pitch, skipping past challenges from Niko Lehtinen and Yuri before teeing up striker Dragan Simic on the penalty spot. The young striker aimed for the bottom right corner and, despite Dzadzamia getting his fingers to the ball, just about squeezed the shot in. Vojvodina still needed another goal to overcome Peimari's away goal advantage, but they had put the pressure on the home side.
Peimari just needed to deny Vojvodina a second goal to secure progression on away goals, but they won the tie outright when they scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Their goal came from a wide free-kick, with Mats Köhlert's delivery finding Rasmus Holma. The Finnish central defender powered a low header in at the near post to wrap up the tie for Peimari United, sending them through to the third qualifying round in some amount of style.
Despite the success of a 2-1 victory in the first leg in Serbia, Peimari United's Senegalese midfielder Moussa Faye picked up a knock as he twisted his knee in the game, and failed a late fitness test for the second leg as he was forced to watch on from the sidelines. Croatian teenage midfielder Silvio Tokic came in to replace Moussa Faye in the starting lineup, but the home side's midfield looked considerably weaker without their star player in the middle of the park, with Vojvodina's changed shape causing Peimari plenty of problems early on.
The visitors will look back at missed chances in the first half and rue not taking them with more composure, as Igor Zlatanovic hit the woodwork twice early on. The first came from a good move down the left-hand side for Vojvodina, with Zlatanovic getting on the end of the move before picking out the far post with a sliced finish. Zlatanovic then hit the near post with a header after good work down the right by Velibor Subasic.
Peimari United will be thanking their Georgian teenage goalkeeper Tornike Dzadzamia for a strong performance, with the former Dinamo Tbilisi shot stopper saving ten shots on goal throughout the game. His saves included a stunning one-versus-one save against Dragan Simic, who looked to loop the ball over Dzadzamia's right arm, unsuccessfully. Dzadzamia then reacted quickly to parry a close-range header from Vojvodina's Strahinja Pavlovic late on.
Both Of The Game's Goals Came Very Late On
Vojvodina got the goal they were looking for in the 84th minute from a fast-moving counter attack down the left. Arandjel Stojkovic made a brilliant run through Peimari's side of the pitch, skipping past challenges from Niko Lehtinen and Yuri before teeing up striker Dragan Simic on the penalty spot. The young striker aimed for the bottom right corner and, despite Dzadzamia getting his fingers to the ball, just about squeezed the shot in. Vojvodina still needed another goal to overcome Peimari's away goal advantage, but they had put the pressure on the home side.
Peimari just needed to deny Vojvodina a second goal to secure progression on away goals, but they won the tie outright when they scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time. Their goal came from a wide free-kick, with Mats Köhlert's delivery finding Rasmus Holma. The Finnish central defender powered a low header in at the near post to wrap up the tie for Peimari United, sending them through to the third qualifying round in some amount of style.
Peimari United 1-1 (3-2 agg) FK Vojvodina Player Ratings:
Peimari United:
GK:Dzadzamia (7.2)
DR:Lehtinen (6.9)
DCR:Yuri (6.4)
DCL:Holma (7.7)
DL:Virtanen (7.7)
DM:Hyökyvirta (6.7)
MCR:Seppälä (6.9)
MCL:Tokic (6.5) [70']
AMR:Larsson (6.4) [57']
AML:Köhlert (6.7)
ST:Santanen (6.6)
Subs Used:
Sub 1:Villela (N/A) [57'] [70']
Sub 2:Järvinen (6.7) [70']
Sub 3:Ollila (6.6) [70']
Manager:Kalle Koskinen
FK Vojvodina:
GK:Rockov (6.8)
DR:Stojkovic (7.0)
DCR:Pavlovic (7.1)
DCL:Sanicanin (7.1)
DL:Calasan (6.7)
DMCR:Jovic (6.8) [90']
DMCL:Vucic (6.9)
AMR:Subasic (6.9)
AMC:Neskovic (6.9) [80']
AML:Zlatanovic (6.8) [90+6']
ST:Simic (7.1)
Subs Used:
Sub 1:Bainovic (N/A) [80']
Sub 2:Ljubicic (N/A) [90']
Sub 3:Okeuhie (N/A) [90+6']
Manager:Vladen Jankovic
Tokic (6.5) [70']
Peimari United Scraped Through Past A Strong FK Vojvodina Side
Kalle Koskinen:
"Today was probably one of our toughest challenges of the season so far. They (Vojvodina) had put us under a great amount of pressure for most of the game and we didn't have too much respite in possession or in their half. We had to be very brave with our defensive discipline for most of the ninety minutes and we had a bit of luck too, with our woodwork to thank. But we can credit our defending, of course, we did well to battle through the ninety minutes with our heads above the water. Job done.
I hate talking about injuries, but unfortunately we got another one today. Lucas (Villela) came on as a sub and then hurt his ankle and had to be taken off a few minutes later! It looks like he has hurt his ankle quite badly. We don't think there is a bone break or a fracture but his ankle is pretty swollen so we cannot really tell just yet. Hopefully it is not too serious, but there is nothing we can do about it now except wait for prognosis tomorrow."
Who Do Peimari United Play Next?
Peimari United Will Face Swiss Side BSC Young Boys In The Third Qualifying Round
The third qualifying round draw was not overly kind on Peimari United, with the Finnish side drawn against Swiss giants BSC Young Boys. The first leg will be played at Wankdorf in Bern, Switzerland, on 4th August with the return leg coming a week later at Kupittaan jalkapallostadion in Turku, Finland. Young Boys have been tipped as major favourites for the tie, with the winner to progress to the fourth, and final, qualifying round.
BSC Young Boys have somewhat of a rich history in football. The Bern-based club have lifted the Swiss Super League trophy on thirteen different occasions, with the latest coming in 2021. Eight Schweizer Cups have helped Young Boys to be known as one of Switzerland's top football clubs. A second place finish in the Swiss Super League last season, behind FC Basel, allowed Young Boys to enter the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds at the third stage, with Peimari United their first opponent in Europe this campaign.
Young Boys' first European adventure occurred in the 1957-1958 season, where they were defeated by Vasas Budapest in the first round. Young Boys have been regulars in the group stages of European competition in recent years, appearing in the Champions League group stages last season and in the Europa League group stages in each of the five seasons before that. Young Boys will look to continue their streak of reaching the group stages, with Peimari United their first obstacle to overcome.
BSC Young Boys have somewhat of a rich history in football. The Bern-based club have lifted the Swiss Super League trophy on thirteen different occasions, with the latest coming in 2021. Eight Schweizer Cups have helped Young Boys to be known as one of Switzerland's top football clubs. A second place finish in the Swiss Super League last season, behind FC Basel, allowed Young Boys to enter the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds at the third stage, with Peimari United their first opponent in Europe this campaign.
Young Boys' first European adventure occurred in the 1957-1958 season, where they were defeated by Vasas Budapest in the first round. Young Boys have been regulars in the group stages of European competition in recent years, appearing in the Champions League group stages last season and in the Europa League group stages in each of the five seasons before that. Young Boys will look to continue their streak of reaching the group stages, with Peimari United their first obstacle to overcome.
Comment Section
ScottT & TheLFCFan | A big move for him which he can undoubtedly be proud of. I was disappointed with the fee personally, I had agreed a €2.5M + 50% of future sale deal with Napoli, but my lovely chairman decided to dick me over
Previous Update: #108 - Claeys Moves To FC Inter Milan In Record Sale
Next Update: #110 - Season 2022: July
That'll do. Young Boys will be an undoubtedly difficult challenge to overcome, but who knows? If one man can overcome the odds, it's Koskinen.
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What an incredible performance from Dzadzamia! Without him we certainly could of seen you going out today! But Peimari are through and that's what matters! Young Boy's will be tough but Kalle has certainly overcome tougher!
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Season 2022: July
An Overview Of Peimari United In July 2022
Kalle Koskinen:
"July was set to be one of the most exciting months in the history of Peimari United. With UEFA Europa League qualifiers set to begin during the hottest month of the Finnish summer, Peimari United were set to participate in continental competition for the first time ever. What a time to be alive!"
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Transfers
Transfers
Peimari United Sold Guido Claeys For A Record Fee And Signed Three During July
Players InFirst in the door, as the transfer window opened, was teenage Spanish goalkeeper Sergio García. The eighteen year old shot stopper signed on a free transfer from US development side Scott Galagher Missouri. García made sixty-four appearances in all competitions at senior level, earning nineteen clean sheets as he impressed. He came in to Peimari United to join the youth team, with a view to being loaned out soon enough. He has a lot of potential, but he's nowhere near ready for the senior team.
With Guido Claeys leaving the club for a seven-figure fee, we were desperate to secure a competent replacement. With no viable options available for free, we had to spend some money. Veteran Swedish striker Pontus Engblom joined for a club-record fee of €17,750 from Norwegian Eliteserien side Sandjeford Fotboll. The thirty year old attacker had played 303 league games across various levels of football in Sweden and Norway, scoring an impressive 113 goals in the process. He was not as technically gifted as the outgoing Claeys, which upset some Peimari United fans, but he was considered to be an incredible professional and provided experience and high levels of determination to the squad.
Our transfer record was once again broken as we signed Aapo Mäenpää shortly after. The Finnish full back signed from IFK Mariehamn for a fee of €28,000, and was brought in to add quality competition for places in defence. At twenty-four years of age, Mäenpää had already made 145 league appearances throughout his career, and was looking to move back to a Veikkausliiga following Mariehamn's relegation last season.
With Guido Claeys leaving the club for a seven-figure fee, we were desperate to secure a competent replacement. With no viable options available for free, we had to spend some money. Veteran Swedish striker Pontus Engblom joined for a club-record fee of €17,750 from Norwegian Eliteserien side Sandjeford Fotboll. The thirty year old attacker had played 303 league games across various levels of football in Sweden and Norway, scoring an impressive 113 goals in the process. He was not as technically gifted as the outgoing Claeys, which upset some Peimari United fans, but he was considered to be an incredible professional and provided experience and high levels of determination to the squad.
Our transfer record was once again broken as we signed Aapo Mäenpää shortly after. The Finnish full back signed from IFK Mariehamn for a fee of €28,000, and was brought in to add quality competition for places in defence. At twenty-four years of age, Mäenpää had already made 145 league appearances throughout his career, and was looking to move back to a Veikkausliiga following Mariehamn's relegation last season.
Players OutThere were just two outgoings in July. First, long-time servant Bruno Rodrigues joined Portuguese lower league side Lusitânia Lourosa on a free transfer, having spent half of the past season away on loan. He was a brilliant servant for Peimari United and racked 87 appearances in all competitions since Koskinen joined the club, but couldn't find a way into the current senior team. All the best to him.
The big sale was Guido Claeys'. The Belgian teenage striker prodigy was sold to Italian giants Inter Milan for a Finnish club record sale of €2,000,000. Our chairman decided to get involved and pushed through the deal, even though I was negotiating a €2,500,000 deal with SSC Napoli which also included a 50% 'Next Sale' clause. But whatever, clearly our chairman knows best....
The big sale was Guido Claeys'. The Belgian teenage striker prodigy was sold to Italian giants Inter Milan for a Finnish club record sale of €2,000,000. Our chairman decided to get involved and pushed through the deal, even though I was negotiating a €2,500,000 deal with SSC Napoli which also included a 50% 'Next Sale' clause. But whatever, clearly our chairman knows best....
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Results
Results
Peimari United Excelled In Europa League And Veikkausliiga Football In An Incredible Month Of July
VeikkausliigaOur good run in the league continued. Our first domestic opponent of the month was AC Oulu. We won the game at Liedon keskuskenttä by a 1-0 score. Young striker Jesper Santanen showed his quality once more as he scored the only goal of the game in the first half. The clean sheet was our eighth clean sheet in a row in the Veikkausliiga, an incredible record and a real sign of how far the team has come since last season's failed title chase.
Next up in the league was a very tough game away to HJK. The reigning Veikkausliiga champions took the lead early on through the brilliant Wellington, but we responded quickly with a Mats Köhlert goal. We got a great slice of luck as HJK's Jordan scored an own-goal, handing us an invaluable 2-1 victory at the home of our biggest domestic rivals.
A home game against semi-local rivals FC Inter Turku followed. Our squad was heavily rotated following a second leg tie in Europe, meaning we were much weaker than we wanted to be for this game. We won narrowly, with Croatian teenage midfielder Silvio Tokic scoring from range late on to earn us a 1-0 win, with another clean sheet being a big bonus.
Our first non-win of the month in the Veikkausliiga came against KuPS. Despite Jesper Santanen scoring with less than ten minutes remaining, KuPS immediately responded from kick-off to deny us the three points, with Jiri Nissinen scoring a rocket of a shot from the edge of the area to tie the game at 1-1.
Our final Veikkausliiga game of the month was a trip to FC Ilves of Tampere. Silvio Tokic scored from range early on to give us the lead, but our opponents responded midway through the first half with a Diogo Tomás leveler. In a change from last season, we won the game late on with two goals. We won a penalty and, with seven minutes to go, Tokic scored his second of the game with a cool finish from twelve yards. There was plenty of time for new signing Pontus Engblom to come off the bench to score on his debut, immediately endearing himself to the Peimari faithful as we strolled to a 3-1 victory.
Next up in the league was a very tough game away to HJK. The reigning Veikkausliiga champions took the lead early on through the brilliant Wellington, but we responded quickly with a Mats Köhlert goal. We got a great slice of luck as HJK's Jordan scored an own-goal, handing us an invaluable 2-1 victory at the home of our biggest domestic rivals.
A home game against semi-local rivals FC Inter Turku followed. Our squad was heavily rotated following a second leg tie in Europe, meaning we were much weaker than we wanted to be for this game. We won narrowly, with Croatian teenage midfielder Silvio Tokic scoring from range late on to earn us a 1-0 win, with another clean sheet being a big bonus.
Our first non-win of the month in the Veikkausliiga came against KuPS. Despite Jesper Santanen scoring with less than ten minutes remaining, KuPS immediately responded from kick-off to deny us the three points, with Jiri Nissinen scoring a rocket of a shot from the edge of the area to tie the game at 1-1.
Our final Veikkausliiga game of the month was a trip to FC Ilves of Tampere. Silvio Tokic scored from range early on to give us the lead, but our opponents responded midway through the first half with a Diogo Tomás leveler. In a change from last season, we won the game late on with two goals. We won a penalty and, with seven minutes to go, Tokic scored his second of the game with a cool finish from twelve yards. There was plenty of time for new signing Pontus Engblom to come off the bench to score on his debut, immediately endearing himself to the Peimari faithful as we strolled to a 3-1 victory.
UEFA Europa LeagueOur European journey began with a first qualifying round tie in the UEFA Europa League against Czech giants SK Slavia Praha. The first leg was at Eden in Prague, Czech Republic, and we certainly upset the odds with a major victory. Goals from Guido Claeys, Mats Köhlert and Moussa Faye gave us a three-goal lead inside the opening twenty minutes, but this lead was reduced to one with just under forty minutes remaining as Eero Hyökyvirta was unfortunate enough to score an own-goal, before Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui scored from the penalty spot. Mats Köhlert scored his second of the game midway through the second half to give us a comfortable cushion again, as we then battled the game out to win 4-2.
The return leg against SK Slavia Praha was far more comfortable. Despite not playing at our actual home stadium due to capacity regulations, we made Kupittaan jalkapallostadion a formidable place to play at with a comfortable win. Mats Köhlert was on target early on to set the tone, and Moussa Faye scored twice on either side of a Slavia goal to give us a 3-1 win on the night, as we strolled through with a 7-3 aggregate victory.
The second qualifying round saw us come up against FK Vojvodina, with the first leg away from home. It was tough, with the Serbian SuperLiga side proving a tough team to break down at Karadjordje. Moussa Faye was our hero of the night, scoring two incredible goals from twenty yards out early on to give us invaluable away goals. Vojvodina proved how much of a threat they were, halving the deficit in the first half through a Nemanja Vucic goal. However, we saw the rest of the game out to take home a 2-1 advantage.
FK Vojvodina brought their A-game to Kupittaan jalkapallostadion and showed their ability from the start. We had to be extremely resilient and we had to rely on the experise of goalkeeper Tornike Dzadzamia, as well as some luck with our woodwork being clattered twice, to see us through. Vojvodina scored late on as Dragan Simic squeezed a low shot beyond Dzadzamia, but they needed a second to go through due to our away goal advantage. However, we won the tie outright as Rasmus Holma scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time to earn us a 1-1 draw on the night, and a 3-2 aggregate win.
The return leg against SK Slavia Praha was far more comfortable. Despite not playing at our actual home stadium due to capacity regulations, we made Kupittaan jalkapallostadion a formidable place to play at with a comfortable win. Mats Köhlert was on target early on to set the tone, and Moussa Faye scored twice on either side of a Slavia goal to give us a 3-1 win on the night, as we strolled through with a 7-3 aggregate victory.
The second qualifying round saw us come up against FK Vojvodina, with the first leg away from home. It was tough, with the Serbian SuperLiga side proving a tough team to break down at Karadjordje. Moussa Faye was our hero of the night, scoring two incredible goals from twenty yards out early on to give us invaluable away goals. Vojvodina proved how much of a threat they were, halving the deficit in the first half through a Nemanja Vucic goal. However, we saw the rest of the game out to take home a 2-1 advantage.
FK Vojvodina brought their A-game to Kupittaan jalkapallostadion and showed their ability from the start. We had to be extremely resilient and we had to rely on the experise of goalkeeper Tornike Dzadzamia, as well as some luck with our woodwork being clattered twice, to see us through. Vojvodina scored late on as Dragan Simic squeezed a low shot beyond Dzadzamia, but they needed a second to go through due to our away goal advantage. However, we won the tie outright as Rasmus Holma scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time to earn us a 1-1 draw on the night, and a 3-2 aggregate win.
Player of the Month
Moussa Faye Was Peimari United's Star Player During July 2022
Moussa Faye was our hero in July. The Senegalese midfielder was an absolute superstar in our Europa League qualifiers, scoring crucial goals in three of the fixtures that we played. Despite picking up an injury in the first leg of the second qualifying round against FK Vojvodina, Faye scored five and assisted another in a very successful month for our best player.
Moussa Faye's Monthly Stats
 OverviewAppearances: 5 Goals: 5 Assists: 1 PotM Awards: 2 |
 Disciplinary RecordFouls Committed: 3 (0.6 per game) Fouls Against: 1 (0.2 per game) Yellow Cards: 0 Red Cards: 0 |
 Attacking PlayShots On Target Ratio: 66.67% (6/9) Dribbles Completed: 2 (0.4 per game) Key Passes: 9 (1.8 per game) |
 General PlayPass Completion Ratio: 87.38% (180/206) Headers Won: 5 (1 per game) Average Rating: 8.12 |
 Defensive PlayKey Tackles: 1 (0.2 per game) Tackles Won Ratio: 92.31% (12/13) Interceptions: 5 (1 per game) |
Assistant Manager's Report Value: €275,000 Wage: €575 p/w (Until: 30/11/2024) Current Ability:  Potential Ability:  |
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Veikkausliiga
Veikkausliiga
Peimari United Were Ten Points Clear At The Top Of The Table With Eleven Games Remaining
Majestic. We were majestic. Our defensive record was, by far and wide, the best in the league, and we were ten points clear of second placed SJK, after two thirds of the season. We still had plenty of work to do, but it looked more and more likely that we were going to win the league title.
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Upcoming Fixtures
Peimari Had A Tough Set Of Games Against Young Boys To Look Forward To In August
In terms of Veikkausliiga football, August was a big month. We had the opportunity to effectively wrap up the title with four big games. The away trip to SJK was the tasty one, with them sitting in second place. We were hopefully we could finish off their threat to us.
In terms of UEFA Europa League football, we had a third qualifying round against Swiss giants BSC Young Boys to look forward to. The first leg was to be played at Wankdorf in Bern, Switzerland, with the return leg at our home-not-home of of Kupittaan halkapallostadion in Turku, Finland. We were up against an incredibly tough challenge. The most we hoped for was to snatch one or two away goals and have something to play for in the second leg. But our preparation was to win every battle on the pitch. That was our aim, as perfectionists.
In terms of UEFA Europa League football, we had a third qualifying round against Swiss giants BSC Young Boys to look forward to. The first leg was to be played at Wankdorf in Bern, Switzerland, with the return leg at our home-not-home of of Kupittaan halkapallostadion in Turku, Finland. We were up against an incredibly tough challenge. The most we hoped for was to snatch one or two away goals and have something to play for in the second leg. But our preparation was to win every battle on the pitch. That was our aim, as perfectionists.
Comment Section
ScottT | Young Boys is a big team. We're in no doubt that we're the underdogs, but these are the games we want to be involved in.TheLFCFan | Dzadzamia has proven himself to be a top-class shot-stopper, with his performance against Vojvodina only proving his capabilities.
Previous Update: #109 - Peimari Hang On To Ensure Progression
Next Update: #111 - Peimari Smash Young Boys
A fantastic month of football. The distraction of Europa League football doesn't seem to be having too much of an impact on results - they're still being fought out. The signing of Engbolm seems sensible, he brings some pedigree with his arrival, as well as some much-needed experience. This could be valuable against sides like Young Boys if Koskinen wants to continue his European exploits.
A remarkable season so far!
A remarkable season so far!
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That defensive record remains incredible, just nine goals conceded with the next best conceding more than double! The league looks safe now with that ten point gap and if August is anything like the previous it will be secured! Young Boy's will be tough, but I think this European journey will be continuing!
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Peimari Smash Young Boys
Peimari United Recorded A Shock 4-0 Victory Against Young Boys In First Leg At Wankdorf
04/08/2022
Finnish Veikkausliiga Peimari United caused another upset in UEFA Europa League qualifiers with a 4-0 win away to BSC Young Boys of Switzerland in the first leg of their third qualifying round. Kalle Koskinen's side, who currently top the Veikkausliiga, stunned the home fans at Wankdorf stadium in a result which left Young Boys getting booed off the pitch by their own supporters.
The game was a lot more even than the scoreline suggested, but neither side created an opportunity until Peimari United opened the scoring a few minutes before half-time. Finnish wide attacker Akseli Ollila got the nod ahead of Mats Köhlert to start the game, and Ollila repaid his manager's faith with a good goal. From a short free-kick routine on the left wing, Kevin Larsson played Ollila into Young Boys' box. From a tight angle, Ollila finished just inside the near post, although Young Boys goalkeeper Marwin Hitz probably should have saved the shot.
There was some bad news for Peimari United as star midfielder Moussa Faye suffered a serious injury early on in the game. The Senegalese goal-scoring midfielder was hurt in a challenge with Young Boys' Amine Harit, and appeared to be in some discomfort. Faye was stretchered off the pitch with a protective boot around his right ankle, and there have been some suggestions that he may have broken his ankle in the challenge.
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Peimari United's second goal of the game came with just twenty minutes remaining. The away side had put Young Boys under an immense amount of pressure, and the team in yellow and black struggled to clear the danger properly. Jarno Seppälä scored Peimari's second with a superb finish. Jukka Virtanen picked out the young midfielder just inside Young Boys' box, and Seppälä fired into the roof of the net with a first-time left-footed strike.
Minutes later, Peimari United scored a third. Kevin Larsson was at his dangerous best in the game, and he added a second assist late on. Charging forward down the right wing, Larsson picked out substitute Pontus Engblom at the near post with a brilliantly-curled cross that the Swedish striker redirected into the top corner with a controlled header.
Young Boys' night turned from bad worse as Jannik Vestergaard turned a cross into his own net with less than ten minutes to go. Peimari's Niko Lehtinen had the freedom of Wankdorf on the right wing, and his low, driven cross invited danger. Former Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard could only turn the ball into his own net as he tried to clear the danger, giving Peimari United a fourth away goal.
The game was a lot more even than the scoreline suggested, but neither side created an opportunity until Peimari United opened the scoring a few minutes before half-time. Finnish wide attacker Akseli Ollila got the nod ahead of Mats Köhlert to start the game, and Ollila repaid his manager's faith with a good goal. From a short free-kick routine on the left wing, Kevin Larsson played Ollila into Young Boys' box. From a tight angle, Ollila finished just inside the near post, although Young Boys goalkeeper Marwin Hitz probably should have saved the shot.
There was some bad news for Peimari United as star midfielder Moussa Faye suffered a serious injury early on in the game. The Senegalese goal-scoring midfielder was hurt in a challenge with Young Boys' Amine Harit, and appeared to be in some discomfort. Faye was stretchered off the pitch with a protective boot around his right ankle, and there have been some suggestions that he may have broken his ankle in the challenge.
Peimari United Were Simply Unstoppable In Attack At Wankdorf
Peimari United's second goal of the game came with just twenty minutes remaining. The away side had put Young Boys under an immense amount of pressure, and the team in yellow and black struggled to clear the danger properly. Jarno Seppälä scored Peimari's second with a superb finish. Jukka Virtanen picked out the young midfielder just inside Young Boys' box, and Seppälä fired into the roof of the net with a first-time left-footed strike.
Minutes later, Peimari United scored a third. Kevin Larsson was at his dangerous best in the game, and he added a second assist late on. Charging forward down the right wing, Larsson picked out substitute Pontus Engblom at the near post with a brilliantly-curled cross that the Swedish striker redirected into the top corner with a controlled header.
Young Boys' night turned from bad worse as Jannik Vestergaard turned a cross into his own net with less than ten minutes to go. Peimari's Niko Lehtinen had the freedom of Wankdorf on the right wing, and his low, driven cross invited danger. Former Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard could only turn the ball into his own net as he tried to clear the danger, giving Peimari United a fourth away goal.
BSC Young Boys 0-4 Peimari United Player Ratings:
BSC Young Boys:
GK:Hitz (6.3)
DR:Costa (6.0) [70']
DCR:Vestergaard (6.2)
DCL:Djilobodji (6.3)
DL:Zuber (6.4)
MCR:Bertone (6.4) [82']
MCL:Gabriel (6.1)
AMCR:Harit (6.6)
AMC:Parks (6.2)
AMCL:Savic (6.4) [63']
ST:Assalé (6.3)
Subs Used:
Sub 1:Pidoux (6.4) [63']
Sub 2:N'Samé (6.7) [70']
Sub 3:Oliseh (N/A) [82']
Manager:Gerardo Seoane
Peimari United:
GK:Dzadzamia (7.6)
DR:Lehtinen (8.6)
DCR:Yuri (8.3)
DCL:Holma (8.1)
DL:Virtanen (9.1)
DM:Vanhala (7.6)
MCR:Seppälä (8.3)
MCL:Faye (6.9) [52']
AMR:Larsson (8.9)
AML:Ollila (7.6) [68']
ST:Santanen (6.7) [68']
Subs Used:
Sub 1:Tokic (6.9) [52']
Sub 2:Köhlert (6.8) [68']
Sub 3:Engblom (7.4) [68']
Manager:Kalle Koskinen
Hitz (6.3)
Vestergaard (6.2) 
Gabriel (6.1)
Harit (6.6)
Parks (6.2)
Savic (6.4) [63']
Assalé (6.3)
N'Samé (6.7) [70']
Engblom (7.4) [68'] 
Peimari Scored Four Important Away Goals And Kept A Clean Sheet In The First Leg
Kalle Koskinen:
"This was really, really good for us. The game itself was pretty even but I've never seen the boys in such a ruthless nature in attack! I thought the two teams were pretty evenly matched, but we looked like scoring with every single attacking foray. We've put ourselves well ahead of Young Boys in the tie now and we can be very proud of what we have achieved tonight.
If we concede less than four goals in the second leg, we go through. We know we still have to stay concentrated and we cannot switch off in the second half but we've done more than make ourselves a chance to progress. At the end of the day, we still have ninety minutes of football to play but, if we play like we did today, we should be happy with ourselves.
The Moussa (Faye) doesn't look good at all. He hurt his knee a few weeks ago against Vojvodina, but now it looks like he has a really serious injury to his ankle. He was in a lot of pain and he is en route to a hospital for a scan to see the damage. Hopefully it isn't too bad, but it doesn't look like he'll play for a while, certainly not this weekend."
Comment Section
ScottT | I think we finally have quality squad depth which allows me to make a full eleven changes every game with compromising ability all too much. This has been of great benefit for us as I can set one team out to play in Europe, and another team to focus on domestic affairs.TheLFCFan | The defence was an issue for us last season, but we have improved significantly in that department. Credit has to go to the two goalkeepers, Dzadzamia and Whitesides, who have been nothing short of top-class in their performances. Whitesides, in particular, has improved a lot since his howler in that infamous game against HJK last season.
Previous Update: #110 - Season 2022: July
Next Update: #112 - Moussa Faye's Season Over With Broken Ankle
Another incredible result! A shame about Faye though which might put a slight dampner on the win, hopefully he isn't out for too long! But nonetheless a brilliant win and that should see you through once again.
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