Teemu Pukki is sniffing around for opportunities on the break for Finland. He tries to get onto a ball over the top but is beaten to it by Matvey Safonov.

A mix up in defence is then almost costly for Finland as two players go for the same ball, but they manage to clear before Artem Dzyuba can capitalise.

Simon Atkins: Russia looking every bit a team that got beaten 3-0 last time out. Finland playing very well, look miles ahead.

Russia have enjoyed 72% possession so far and although they've had two shots on goal they are yet to put one on target.

Chris Waddle
Ex-England winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

There's nothing worse as a footballer than when your standing foot hits the ball away, it's embarrassing. It's a good chance for Pohjanpalo.

Joel Pohjanpalo isn't letting that VAR disappointment get to him and is looking lively when Finland do attack. He is found by Teemu Pukki inside the Russia box but is quickly closed down by a swarm of opposition players as he tries to get a shot off.

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal defender on BBC One

They look better than against Belgium, the Russians. Playing more attacking, more fluid. The system suits them. Osdoev running from midfield. He's quite tricky for Finland to pick up.

Image source, Getty Images

Joel Pohjanpalo made just two appearances as a substitute in qualifying, as an 18-month ankle injury suffered on international duty back in March 2018 ruled him out of the first six games and another ankle injury in training saw him miss the final two.

He's certainly made an impression at Euro 2020, scoring the winner against Denmark and he thought he had another before VAR ruled it out.

Now Artem Dzyuba hits the post but again he is offside.

Still, warning signs for Finland.

Artem Dzyuba tries to flick the ball through the Finland defence but the flag is up as he comes back from an offside position to receive the pass.

All Russia at the moment.

Chris Waddle
Ex-England winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

It's a great bit of play and a great layoff. He should at least hit the target.

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal defender on BBC One

Huge chance. Ozdoev skying that one. You've just got to keep your head over the ball. It's a massive miss for Russia isn't it? Goodness me.

Big, big chance for Russia!

Aleksey Miranchuk, inside the box and with his back to goal, plays a clever ball to his left to the unmarked Magomed Ozdoev. He has the whole goal in front of him but somehow smashes well over.

Now it is Finland with the let off.

Chris Waddle
Ex-England winger on BBC Radio 5 Live

Russia are anxious, they're trying to force it. At the minute, Finland are full of confidence and really enjoying this tournament. They're relaxed, they're passing the ball, there's no pressure on them at all.

Good strength from Jukka Raitala as he shrugs off Daler Kuzyaev as the Russian tries to wriggle through on the left.

That VAR decision was really marginal, Finland can count themselves unfortunate but it will give them confidence that they can get at their opponents.

Graeme Campbell: Gutted. That was a cracker of a goal as well

Salma: Oooohhh that’s a shame, 0-0 it is! But what a start for Finland !!

Terry K Cooper: Very unlucky. I was just about to say that Finland are the new Iceland!

Glen Kamara tries to break down the left but Dimitri Barinov gets across well to deal with the danger.

An entertaining start with both sides going for it.

Martin Keown
Former Arsenal defender on BBC One

What a let-off that is. He just wanders, it's so marginal. That's really unlucky there for Finland and gives Russia a real leg-up you have to say.

The goal is ruled out for offside! Joel Pohjanpalo was adjudged to have just been off when he made his run to meet the cross.

A big let off for Russia.

Video Assistant Refereepublished at 14:04 British Summer Time 16 June 2021

14:04 BST 16 June 2021

Finland 1-0 Russia

But wait, VAR is having a look...