Finland and Belarus played out a 0:0 draw in the UEFA Nations League, League C, at Helsinki Olympic Stadium on 29 September 2026. The result keeps Finland top of their group with three points from one game, while Belarus remain in third with none. We had backed a home win with 54 per cent confidence, but neither side managed to break through.
There was a goal at 37 minutes, then another when Aleksandr Selyava struck for Belarus at 65. By then the match had settled into a rhythm where each side tested the other without finding the net. VAR cancelled Selyava's effort at 68, and the scoreboard stayed level. Finland made changes earlier, bringing on Glen Kamara at half-time and Joel Pohjanpalo in the 59th minute. Belarus shuffled their back line, substituting Artem Shumanskiy and Vitali Lisakovich around the hour.
Finland controlled possession at 61 per cent and created three big chances, but their shots on target totalled just two. Belarus kept more shots on target — three — against zero big chances created. And here's the thing: they pressed from deep, won 18 tackles compared to Finland's four, and cleared 24 balls. Their goalkeeper made two saves while Finland's kept three.
The cards came thick and fast in the second half. Artem Shumanskiy picked up the first yellow at 61, followed by Anton Lukashov and Kaan Kairinen for Finland. Adam Stahl added another for Belarus at 86. Substitutions continued until the final whistle, with Topi Keskinen coming on for Finland at 88 and Selyava himself replaced at 87.
Finland move into a strong position in League C with a clean sheet and three points. Belarus face a tougher path forward, needing to regroup after their opening defeat. The match ended as it began — cautious, tactical, and decided by moments that never quite materialised.
