Estonia edge five-goal thriller
Saturday, October 12, 2002
Article summary
Estonia warmed up for their EURO 2004™ qualifier against Belgium with a 3-2 win against New Zealand.
Article body
Estonia warmed up for Wednesday's EURO 2004™ qualifier against Belgium with a 3-2 friendly international victory against New Zealand today.
Close match
A late goal by Indrek Zelinski settled a close match in Tallinn. It was a creditable victory for Estonia against a side ranked 48th in the world - and the perfect preparation for the challenge ahead.
Bright start
Estonia, who drew their first EURO 2004™ Group 8 match away against Croatia last month, took an early lead through Aivar Anniste following neat play down the flank from Sergei Terehhov. The strike capped a bright start by the hosts who were without first-choice goalkeeper Mart Poom and several rested regulars.
Battled back
However, New Zealand battled back and scored twice in the last four minutes of the half. First Tampere United FC's Noah Hickey's left-foot shot took a deflection and surprised Poom's understudy, Martin Kaalma, to draw the visitors level. Hickey then turned provider and supplied Aaron Lines to score with ease.
Downward header
Estonia seemed affronted to be behind at the break but came back with renewed vigour in the second half. Terehhov was again involved when Estonia drew level in the 52nd minute. His cross reached Kristen Viikmäe, who scored with a downward header.
Six changes
After some good chances, Estonia then made six substitutions, including a debut for 17-year-old Enar Jääger, but still controlled the game with New Zealand reduced to long-range efforts. The hosts found their winner eight minutes from time. Kert Haavistu sent a curling corner from the left to the goalkeeper's area and Zelinski headed beyond Batty for his 23rd goal for his country.
Missed penalty
There was still time for Viikmäe to miss a penalty for Estonia after New Zealand captain Chris Zoricich fouled Aleksandr Saharov in the penalty area. Estonia coach Arno Pijpers said of his side's display: "We started well but after the opening goal we began to make stupid mistakes. New Zealand put up a good fight and our players needed time to get back into the game."
