Finns off to flying start

Finland recovered from the setback of conceding a fourth-minute goal today to record a 2-1 victory against China on the opening day of the FIFA World Under-17 Championships.

Early threat
Leicester City FC forward Tomi Petrescu created an early chance for strike partner Jarno Parikka, who might have given the host nation the lead in the opening exchanges at the Töölö stadium in Helsinki in a match which marked the first-ever tournament matches to be played on artificial turf.

Quick goals
Just seconds later, China were in front as Li Benjian's low free-kick was volleyed into the net by Chen Jiang. However, the lead lasted only two minutes as Eutu Muinonen's curling left-wing cross evaded the Chinese defence and Parikka was on hand to glance the ball past goalkeeper Tian Xu and into the far corner of the net with a delicate header.

Turning point
Both sides continued to push forward, with Finland goalkeeper Aapo Kiljunen forced to make three spectacular point-blank saves as the first half drew to a close. However, the introduction of Turkish-born playmaker Ümit Meksele at the interval proved the turning point for Finland, as the substitute's perceptive passing and vision caused China no end of problems.

Petrescu winner
After having a goal disallowed for offside, the Finns finally struck the winner four minutes past the hour as Petrescu's 30-metre free-kick was cleverly dummied by Menekse and crept past the wrong-footed Tian and into the far corner of the net.

Great chance
Li Benjian missed a golden opportunity to equalise in the closing seconds, shooting wide after a determined run, and was subsequently dismissed for a second yellow card, while Petrescu had two chances to make the game safe for Finland in the final 15 minutes.

'We controlled the match'
Finland coach Jyrki Heliskoski acknowledged that his half-time changes had turned the course of the match. "The Chinese pressed hard in the first half, but we made some changes in the interval and were able to control the match better in the second half. We started with a three players in the defence line, but switched to 4-4-1-1," he said. "Naturally I'm very pleased with the victory, but I expected my team to play better football. The Chinese players might have been a little nervous, but that was nothing compared to us."

Goalless draw
The second game in Group A saw Mexico draw 0-0 with Colombia in Helsinki, to leave Finland top of the section. The hosts next face Mexico, while China take on Colombia, with both games to be played on Saturday.

First win
Meanwhile, goals in each half from Ezequiel Garay and Ariel Colzera helped Argentina record an opening day 2-0 win against Australia in Turku, while Costa Rica drew 1-1 with Nigeria. On Saturday, Australia face Nigeria, while Argentina play Costa Rica.