Finland reach first major finals, Spain hit 7

Paris, November 16

Finland qualified for the first major tournament in their history with a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein, while Sweden sealed their place at the Euro 2020 finals following a victory in Romania.

Norwich City forward Teemu Pukki scored twice in Helsinki and Jasse Tuominen also netted to bring the home crowd pouring onto the pitch at the final whistle as Finland wrapped up the second place behind Group J winners Italy on Friday.

Sweet 6th for Sweden

Sweden qualified for a sixth straight European Championships after a 2-0 success in Bucharest that eliminated Romania from contention. Marcus Berg and Robin Quaison scored first-half goals for Sweden who secured second place behind Group F winners Spain, leaving Romania hoping for a play-off berth. Bosnia are guaranteed a place in the play-offs after finishing top of their UEFA Nations League group last year.

10 out of 10 for Italy

Roberto Mancini’s Italy registered a record 10th straight win as they eased past Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 in Zenica.

Francesco Acerbi, Lorenzo Insigne and Andrea Belotti scored for Italy, who have bounced back impressively after failing to qualify for last year’s World Cup year for the first time since 1958.

“Mancini has done a great job, he has given us clear ideas in a short period of time. We are proud of the record of ten consecutive wins,” said Belotti.

Seven star Spain

Seven different players were on target for already-qualified Spain in a 7-0 thrashing of lowly Malta in Cadiz.

Alvaro Morata opened the scoring on 23 minutes before former Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla bagged his first international goal in four years. Pau Torres, substitutes Pablo Sarabia and Dani Olmo, Gerard Moreno and Jesus Navas completed the rout. 

Spanish fans honoured Sergio Ramos with a huge mosaic of the defender who last month broke the record previously held by Iker Casillas for most national team appearances. — AFP