Finland go top after edging out Lithuania
Thursday, September 5, 2013
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Lithuania 0-1 Finland
Tim Väyrynen's fourth goal in three Group 1 qualifiers sent Finland above their opponents and to the top of the section.
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Finland's Tim Väyrynen took the plaudits for the second UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier in succession, the FC Honka Espoo forward scoring the only goal as Mika Laurikainen's team usurped Lithuania at the top of Group 1.
Väyrynen, who hit a hat-trick in Finland’s 5-1 defeat of Wales last month, landed the decisive blow eight minutes into the second half, diving to head in Patrick O'Shaughnessy's cross from the right.
Väyrynen had earlier been denied from close range by Tomas Švedkauskas during a first half in which Vilmantas Bagdanavičius, thwarted by Finland goalkeeper Jesse Joronen, and captain Ovidijus Verbickas threatened for Lithuania.
A test of Finland's credentials will come on Monday when they host England in Tampere. Lithuania, who have now played four of their ten fixtures, return to action in October against Wales.
