Team overview
The rank outsiders for U21 European Championship glory this summer, Finland are preparing to grace the finals for the first time.
Their achievements in reaching this stage should be roundly applauded and they will be keen to avoid being labelled as also-rans in Sweden.
They face a tough ask in order to avoid that tag, though, and are expected to make little impact at their first major tournament.
As a result, Finland will view their short hop across Scandinavia as an opportunity to gain valuable experience for the future.
How they qualified
While Finland's qualification came as some surprise, they should not be taken lightly having accrued more points en route to the finals than Germany, Serbia and Belarus.
They topped qualifying Group 6, holding off challenges from Denmark and Scotland in the process.
Only one defeat, and six victories, saw them upset the odds and book a place in the play-offs - where they came up against Austria.
A 2-1 defeat in the first leg of that contest was made redundant after they snatched victory by the same scoreline in the return meeting, and they then held their nerve in a penalty shoot-out to book their ticket to Sweden.
Coach - Markku Kanerva
An uncompromising centre-half during his playing days, Kanerva has built Finland's success on solid foundations.
He is an advocate of the 'defend from the front' philosophy and favours hard-working players over creative show-ponies.
Kanerva learnt his trade in the coaching ranks as assistant coach at HJK Helsinki, before trying his hand at management with FC Viikingit.
He was appointed as Finland's U21 coach in 2003 and is a seasoned veteran of four European Championship qualifying campaigns.
One to watch - Tim Sparv
The heartbeat of the Finnish side, Sparv epitomises what Kanerva's troops are all about.
A no-nonsense midfielder, the 22-year-old reveals in the responsibility of being skipper and penalty-taker.
He will be recognisable to Southampton supporters, having learnt his trade within the club's academy ranks, and was a member of the Saints side which made the 2005 FA Youth Cup final - alongside Theo Walcott.
Sparv currently plays his football in Sweden with Halmstads and made his debut for the Finland senior team in February 2009.
Why they'll win it
It is difficult to see how a side with so little experience at this level could go all the way, but Greece's exploits at Euro 2004 have proven that anything is possible.
Finland will hope that dogged determination is enough to allow them to compete against illustrious opposition, with a counter-attack approach likely to be their favoured tactic.
They did prove to be strong at the back throughout qualifying and they will need to be equally as rigid this summer to stand any chance of making headway in the competition.
Like hosts Sweden, the surroundings should not be a problem to get accustomed to, while many of their squad will also be fresh at the middle of their domestic season.
Why they won't
The luck of the draw has pitched them in Group B alongside England, Spain and Germany, three of the favourites for the title.
A point could realistically be seen as a positive outcome for Finland in that company, while they will be determined to avoid the embarrassment of suffering three heavy defeats.
A lack of goals during their progress to the finals suggests they are unlikely to trouble the scorers too often in Sweden, and that will undoubtedly leave them struggling.
All in all, June could prove to be a difficult month for the Fins.
