Young footballers back Norway and England for World Cup semi-final spot

At the Helsinki Cup finals, young players tipped Norway and England to advance from tonight’s World Cup quarter-final, with Erling Haaland and Harry Kane the decisive names on their lips.

Under the Olympic Stadium sun, over 5,000 matches this week have kept the next generation of Finnish talent on the pitch—and glued to the tournament. A quick Yle survey in the finals buzz found Haaland’s Norway the clear favourite among the teenagers.

Ilona Lahtela, 15, of HPS, said she backs Norway because Nordic sides deserve support. “We have to cheer for the Nordic country!”

Tianna Pritchett, her HPS teammate, dissented: “Harry Kane is a good player. He scores a couple and the game is over.”

On the night’s other quarter-final, Argentina vs Switzerland, opinions were blunt. Zayd Rami, 13, of PK-35, said: “I hope Argentina lose. Since I’m Ronaldo, Messi loses.” Joonas Merikari, 13, of HJK, was equally direct: “Argentina will win, even if I don’t like it.”

For the title itself, France emerged as the consensus pick. Bodekole Kylmälä cited their attack, midfield, defence and goalkeeper. Rami pointed to Kylian Mbappé’s goals. Pritchett conceded France’s strength but stuck with England: “I still cheer for the English.”