Finns hold their nerve

Finland remain unbeaten at home under coach Antti Muurinen after today's 2-1 win against Latvia.

Pahars scores
Muurinen's side had to come from behind to beat Latvia at the Helsinki Olympic stadium and they were made to sweat in the first half as the visitors put on an impressive display. Latvia opened the scoring after 39 minutes when Southampton FC striker Marians Pahars beat goalkeeper Antti Niemi from close range.

Two substitutes
Finland introduced two substitutes after the break. Bolton Wanderers FC's Jussi Jääskeläinen replaced Niemi in goal and Sheffield Wednesday FC striker Shefki Kuqi took over from Charlton FC's Jonatan Johansson, and with Latvia defending deep, Finland were allowed more possession in the second period.

Riihilahti equaliser
The equaliser came after 70 minutes when substitute winger Peter Kopteff sent a perfect ball to the far post and Crystal Palace FC midfield player Aki Riihilahti timed his run well and headed past his club team-mate Aleksandrs Kolinko.

Scrambled winner
The winning goal came after a Finnish corner in the 83rd minute. Kolinko managed to attempted to punch the ball clear, but it was left bouncing in front of the Latvian goal. Kuqi and AFC Ajax defender Petri Pasanen managed to force the ball narrowly over the line and Pasanen was credited with the strike.

'A little bit disappointed'
Head coach Antti Muurinen was satisfied with the result, but the play itself was not what he had expected. "We played poorly in the first half, but the second half was better," he said. "Before the break the pace was far too slow and it was easy for the Latvians to defend. It is always good to back from a goal behind. Still I must say that I am a little bit disappointed in our performance."