Match Centre

Belarus's 1-0 win was a classic case of efficiency trumping dominance, as Finland controlled 74% possession but failed to make it count. The hosts scored with their first attack inside a minute through Artem Shumanskiy's strike and then defended resolutely, despite conceding 14 shots to Finland's six. Belarus's low-block strategy worked, limiting Finland to just two shots on target despite their territorial advantage.

Finland's inability to convert possession into high-quality chances was glaring — their 14 shots yielded an xG total that fell short of Belarus's tally, with only two efforts on target. Belarus, meanwhile, were clinical: Shumanskiy's early goal was their only shot on target, but it proved decisive. Finland's lack of precision in the final third, exemplified by six blocked shots and six off-target efforts, undermined their dominance.

The key stat: Belarus's one shot on target — Shumanskiy's 1st-minute strike — decided the game despite Finland's overwhelming 74% possession and 14 total shots. Belarus's defensive discipline and early sucker-punch were the defining factors.