Finland Mistakenly Selects Retired 51-Year-Old For Nations League Duty

The manager of the Finland women's national soccer team has issued a formal apology after a bizarre selection error led to the wrong player being called up for an international match due to a surname confusion. Manager Outi Saarinen mistakenly selected Stina Ruuskanen, a 51-year-old retired player, instead of 23-year-old Nanne Ruuskanen for the UEFA Women's National League match against Serbia.

Unfortunately, the mistake was only spotted at the team sheet submission deadline, leaving no time to make corrections. Stina, who played for the Finnish national team 29 years ago and is not related to Nanne, responded to the mix-up in good humour. Speaking to Finnish reporters, she wittingly expressed her willingness to play, saying, "I am definitely ready if the call comes .Just yesterday I was playing in a hobby league match... so my game feel is good."

Despite the disappointment, Nanne reportedly "took the news very well considering the circumstances", stated Saarinen on the Finnish Football Association website. However, the mix-up ultimately cost her an international appearance in what was expected to be a tightly contested match with Serbia, which ended in a 1-1 draw.