The Finnish women's hockey team, known as Naisleijonat, faced a daunting challenge in their recent Olympic group match against Canada, resulting in a disappointing 0-5 loss. This defeat has sparked worries regarding the team's morale and effectiveness heading into the crucial quarter-final game against Switzerland, scheduled for Saturday. Coach Tero Lehterä noted that despite the unfavorable outcome, the team initially showed promise before losing focus and momentum as the match progressed.

Lehterä remarked that the loss was not solely the result of the team's playing style but was also a consequence of failing to maintain their game plan effectively, particularly as the match progressed into the second period. He emphasized the importance of composure and strategic play, indicating that allowing the Canadian team to transition play easily was detrimental to their defensive strategy. There's a shared hope that the Naisleijonat can learn from this experience and improve their performance in the upcoming match against Switzerland.

Looking forward, the Finnish team must recover both mentally and physically to compete at their best against Switzerland. Winning this quarter-final would be a significant achievement, advancing them to the top four and placing them in contention for medals. The outcome of this match will be crucial; thus, the ability of the players to channel their past experiences into a stronger performance could determine their Olympic journey.