Tallinn defy the odds

FC Levadia Tallinn defied the odds to defeat FC Levadia Maardu 2-0 in the Estonian Cup final at the A Le Coq Arena.

European scenarios
Striker Ruslan Jagudin scored both goals for Tallinn, who have now qualified for the UEFA Cup, while Maardu will tackle Portuguese side UD Leiria in the UEFA Intertoto Cup.

Precise shot
Tallinn started the game well and went close early on through Pavel Apalinski, who dragged a shot past the post. In the 43rd minute, however, they were not to be denied as Apalinski set up Jagudin and he beat goalkeeper Artur Kotenko with a precise shot. Maardu dominated the second period, but Jagudin, 20, broke away in 84th minute and calmly rounded Kotenko to score his second of the night.

'My guys were excellent'
Victorious coach Valeri Bondarenko was in ebullient mood afterwards. "My players did everything as asked and I am extremely proud of them," he said. "On paper, Maardu are a far better side, but this is football and anything can happen. Besides personal skills, also team play, fighting spirit and a will to win play a big part here. And my guys were excellent in all these areas today."