Finns climb to second spot
Saturday, September 4, 2004
Article summary
Switzerland 0-2 Finland Goals from two Swedish-based strikers edged Finland closer to a play-off.
Article body
Goals from two Swedish-based strikers enabled Finland to all but secure their place in the play-offs for the 2005 UEFA European Women's Championship.
Kalmari opener
Laura Kalmari, a UEFA Women's Cup winner with Umeå IK last season, opened the scoring against Switzerland in the 59th minute but the victory was only sealed in the final minute when Heidi Kackur, who plays in the Damallsvenskan for Malmö FF, struck. The three points moved Finland level on 12 points with Italy, but into second place behind Sweden thanks to a superior goal difference.
Sweden through
The Swedes have already qualified for next summer's final tournament in England along with other group winners Germany and France, while Group 3 is still to be decided. The four runners-up and the two third-placed teams with the best records progress to the two-legged play-offs to determine the remaining finalists alongside the hosts. With one game to play, Finland and Italy need a point to be in the play-off reckoning.
