Austria ousted by Finnish fightback

Finland produced a remarkable late comeback to get past Austria on penalties and qualify for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship for the first time.

Shoot-out
Markku Kanerva's team were trailing 3-1 on aggregate with ten minutes remaining in Turku, yet still forced extra time thanks to two goals from substitute Jussi Vasara. Goalkeeper Tomi Maanoja then took over as hero in the penalty shoot-out, saving two Austrian attempts as the hosts prevailed by 4-2 on spot-kicks.

Further arrears
With Finland 2-1 behind from last Friday's first leg in Pasching, the last thing they needed was to concede an early goal. That is precisly what happened, however, as Veli Kavlak's precise through ball undid the home defence, allowing Marco Stankovic to round Maanoja and net from a tight angle. Further chances went untaken before the interval, while until the 81st minute, the second half was notable only for a series of Finnish substitutions.

Dramatic recovery 
But with time running out, Vasara plundered an equaliser on the night to unsettle Manfred Zsak's side. It was the prelude to more home pressure which culminated, in the 90th minute, in Vasara reacting first to a loose ball to shoot low into the bottom corner. Extra time ensued, but no more goals. Austria's luck was also out in the lottery of penalties, with Finland captain Tim Sparv claiming the first of four successful conversions – and goalkeeper Maanoja doing the rest.