Finland finish with victory in Lithuania

Finland defeated Lithuania 3-1 in Marijampole in their final fixture in Group 2 of UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying.

Both sides began the final matchday on nine points and without hope of finishing in the play-off berths. Lithuania started the stronger in their bid to end on a positive note, Aurimas Vilkaitis heading in a Ernestas Veliulis cross to put them in front after 13 minutes.

Finland were quick to attempt to draw level but Petteri Forsell hit a post with a free-kick and Tuomas Rannankari's close-range shot was blocked. Forsell went close again just before half-time and then saw his free-kick kept out by home goalkeeper Emilijus Zubas three minutes after the interval. On this occasion, though, Tim Väyrynen was on hand to turn in the rebound.

Though Väyrynen could have added a second with a clear chance just before the hour, Finland finally got in front five minutes later thanks to captain Tero Mäntylä's header. Forsell was the provider for that goal and he finally got one of his own on 76 minutes with a precise shot past Zubas.