Finland accidentally select retired 51-year-old for Nations League duty
Finland accidentally selected a former player for their Nations League game against Serbia on Tuesday.
Defender Naane Ruuskanen, 23, was unable to play in the 1-1 draw as manager Outi Saarinen put 51-year-old Stina Ruuskanen's name into UEFA's system instead.
Stina last played international football for Finland 29 years ago but reacted to the mistake in good humour.
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'I'm definitely ready if the call comes,' she told Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat. 'Just yesterday I was playing in a hobby league match … so my game feel is good.'
The error was discovered after the deadline and could not be changed.
The Finnish FA said in a statement that Naane 'was informed of the situation on match day when the error was discovered.'
'Nanne was naturally disappointed, but took the news remarkably well under the circumstances. I'm deeply sorry for the mistake,' said Saarinen.
Following two Nations League games, Finland play a friendly against the Netherlands on June 26 before the European Championship, where they will face Iceland, Norway and hosts Switzerland in Group A.
(Photo of the Finland Women team in April 2024: Piero Cruciatti/AFP via Getty Images)
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