Finns book second-round slot

Finland booked their place in the second round of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship with an impressive 4-2 victory against Northern Ireland in the Sankariniemi stadium.

Puustinen treble
The victory moved the Finns on to six points at the top of the Group 2 mini-tournament, which they are hosting, while the best the Northern Irish can now hope for is to edge past Croatia into the second qualifying slot. The key to the game was the pace of Finland's five-man-midfield, which was led by Tim Sparv, and the finishing of Jami Puustinen, who scored a hat-trick.

Sparv influence
After 16 minutes, Sparv's pass found Timo Furuholm who spinned past goalkeeper Jonathan Tuffey and shot into the empty goal. Four minutes later the Northern Irish were level. Michael O'Connor was left unmarked and headed the ball over goalkeeper Roope Matsi.

Lead restored
However, Sparv continued to find holes in the visitors' defence and promptly released Puustinen, who beat Tuffey to put the Finns 2-1 up. Seconds before half-time Puustinen missed a chance to extend his side's advantage when he hit a penalty wide of the target.

Making amends
Two minutes into the second half Puustinen made amends. Jussi Vasara ran down the right and crossed to the young Manchester United FC player who tapped home from close range. Puustinen's hat-trick followed in the 50th minute when Furuholm picked him out at the back post and he netted his 20th international goal in 37 matches.

Carville consolation
Michael Carville scored a 70th-minute consolation for Northern Ireland but it was too little too late and after the game Finland coach Timo Liekoski expressed his delight with the win. "A good result from a good game," he said. "This result enables me also to give playing time [in the last game] to some of the players, who have not been playing yet."

Croatia in pole
The day's other game saw Croatia move into pole position to clinch the second qualifying spot by edging past Malta 1-0. However, the Croatians had to wait until stoppage time at the end of the match to clinch victory. With time running out, Malta's Edmond Agius handled the ball in the penalty area and Anas Sharbini converted from the spot.

Point will be enough
A point in their final game against the Finns will ensure Croatia also advance to the next round. Northern Ireland must beat Malta to have any chance of staying in the competition.