Puolustavien

Puolustavien is a Finnish word that translates to "defenders" in English. The term is commonly used to refer to a group of football (soccer) players who are responsible for defending their team's goal. These players are typically positioned in the defensive line and are tasked with preventing the opposing team from scoring. The number of defenders on a football team can vary depending on the formation used by the team, but it is typically between three and five players.

The primary role of puolustavien is to intercept and clear the ball when it is passed to them by their own team. They are also responsible for marking the opposing team's forwards and preventing them from receiving the ball. In addition to their defensive duties, puolustavien may also be required to contribute to the team's attacking play, particularly in formations where the defense is responsible for launching counter-attacks.

The effectiveness of puolustavien is often measured by their ability to prevent goals and maintain a clean sheet. They are also expected to be strong in the air, have good positional awareness, and be able to read the game and anticipate the opposing team's moves. In some cases, puolustavien may also be required to play in midfield or even up front, depending on the team's tactics and the specific game situation.