Spot-on Sparv keeps Finland flying

Tim Sparv's early penalty proved enough as Finland maintained their 100 per cent start to their 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign with victory at home to Slovenia.

Maanoja heroics
Finland have never graced the finals before but, having beaten Denmark and Scotland in their opening Group 6 games, hopes are high that they can break their duck in Sweden in 2009. Markku Kanerva's side made it three wins in three at the Lahden Stadium after Sparv kept his cool to convert an eighth-minute penalty after goalkeeper Safet Jahić had brought down Robin Wikman. Slovenia responded well, and had the better of the game thereafter but the Finns defended well, with keeper Tomi Maanoja shining as Slovenia suffered their first defeat of the campaign.