“The next goal is to judge the final.” – Sport – svenska.yle.fi

Pargas resident Lina Lehtovaara is ready for the FIFA World Cup this summer. Lehtovaara is one of 33 referees appointed by FIFA for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

The referees for this summer’s Women’s World Cup were announced on Monday. Lina Litovara is one of 33 referees on the referee list for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

– Maybe it’s really cool, 41-year-old Lena Litovara tells Yle Sporten.

– I had time to assimilate this, because the decision was made long before Christmas. But it might have been the best possible birthday gift to see your name on the list. It might still feel too good, she adds.

Lituvara tells us she was hoping to make it to the restroom because she’s been on the candidate lists for the past two years.

The competition can be tough!

Previously, two Finns have refereed the FIFA World Cup: Katrina Illoverta in 1999 and 2003 and Kiersi Häkkinen in 2011.

Profession highlight

With just over half a year left until kick-off on July 20, preparations are already in full swing for the judges.

– It’s important to keep fit and referee first-class matches. The Finnish season now starts with cup matches. Then there will be a seminar and FIFA exams, Lena Litovara says about next spring.

Pargas resident Lina Lehtovaara expects to officiate approximately two matches in the tournament initially.

– If you’ve done your math, it’s roughly like when 33 referees are involved in 64 matches. But if you participate in the playoffs, then, of course, there can be more matches.

Litovara has previously managed both the UEFA Champions League Final and the European Commission.

– You may have achieved quite a few goals that I set for myself. The World Cup is probably the biggest thing you can achieve as a referee. Lina Litovara confirms that there are other goals as well, and now we enter to judge the final match of the World Cup.

The World Cup final will be held on August 20 in Sydney.

Yle broadcasts the Women’s World Cup.