HJK Helsinki goalkeeper Doblas ecstatic after Torino win

Date: 6th November 2014 at 10:05pm
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HJK Helsiniki goalkeeper Toni Doblas was understandably ecstatic after his side defeated Torino 2-1 in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Goals from Gideon Baah and Valtteri Moren gave the home side their first win and first goals in the competition at a chilly Sonera Stadium, where the temperature was close to freezing.

“It is a great day for our club,” Doblas exclusively told Forza Italian Football. “I spoke in the press conference that it is a present for us to play this game, and play in the Europa League.

“I think in the three previous games, we didn’t play well, but the conditions helped us play better against a very good team.

“The weather was important for us. It was difficult for every player, but we train in this weather, and are used to it. I’m Spanish, so it is my first time in this weather.”

Doblas made a fingertip save to deny Juan Sanchez Mino in the first half, though the goalkeeper was modest about it’s importance.

“I’m a goalkeeper and just doing my job,” he joked. “I feel good as we are finished in the [Finnish] league, but for me it’s the start, as I only joined in August.

HJK coach Mika Lehkosuo was delirious at the final whistle after pulling off one of the Finnish side’s best ever results, running onto the pitch to celebrate with his players.

“The coach was very happy and is going crazy,” Doblas said. “Everyone asked, ‘When will we win one point? When will we score a goal?’ Then today, two goals and three points. It is amazing!”

With the win, HJK are still bottom of Group B, but just four points behind second placed Torino with two matches left, and Doblas feels it will be a challenge for the Finnish side to qualify for the knockout stages.

“It is very difficult,” he continued. “But for us it is a present to win today. We must compete as the next game is at home, and if we play better we can win.”

 

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