Stieber makes Hungary happy in Finland

• Zoltan Stieber's spectacular 82nd-minute goal gives Hungary a vital Group F victory
• After four group losses in a row, Finland trail third-placed Hungary by seven points
• Next games: Greece v Finland, Hungary v Romania (4 September)

Hungary boosted their UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying hopes and virtually ended those of Finland with a deserved win in Helsinki earned by a late Zoltan Stieber strike.

On a run of five straight defeats, including three in Group F, Finland were desperate for a result and their nerves showed as early passes went astray. Zoltán Gera, Stieber, and Balázs Dzsudzsák all had chances for the visitors but as the first half went on Finland began to settle and deny Hungary clear-cut opportunities.

Shortly after the interval Hungary came close to a breakthrough as substitute Krisztián Németh managed to get the ball past onrushing Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, but covering centre-back Markus Halsti cleared the danger. After that Finland took more control and were able to create a few half-chances themselves, particularly in the 65th minute when a Roman Eremenko shot was well saved by Hungary goalkeeper Gábor Király.

However, with eight minutes to go, a half-cleared ball fell perfectly for midfielder Stieber, who returned it with interest past Hradecky from 30 metres. Finland, fourth in the section, are now seven points behind third-placed Hungary, who have kept the pressure on Romania and Northern Ireland – both of whom they face in September.