Jari Litmanen underwent an operation on his Achilles tendon in August, and had not been expected to take any further part in Finland's Euro 2008 campaign. There had even been talk that his playing career was over, but he made a rapid recovery and joined the national squad for training last week. He played for around half an hour on Saturday, and while he looked in need of match practice, his very presence provided a lift for the players and fans alike. The welcome he was given on his appearance as a substitute was adulatory, and the player himself was visibly moved by the reception and the last-ditch Finnish win. It was his 109th game in a Finland shirt.
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