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Spain held in Helsinki stalemate

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Finland 0-0 Spain The 35-year-old Antti Niemi kept a clean sheet on his return to international football as Spain were frustrated by the hosts in Helsinki.

Finland 0-0 Spain
Goalkeeper Antti Niemi's return to the Finland fold ended with a clean sheet after a goalless friendly draw with Spain in Helsinki.

Three-year absence
The 35-year-old Fulham FC custodian, making his first appearance for national coach Roy Hodgson after a three-year absence from the squad dating back to October 2004, produced an assured performance throughout against Luis Aragonés's side. Spain are second in Group F and look likely to qualify for UEFA EURO 2008™, sitting five points clear of Denmark with two fixtures to play; fourth-placed Finland trail second-placed Portugal by three points in Group A.

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