Faroes recover to reach new mark

The Faroe Islands recovered from an abject first-half performance to move into double figures in Group 1 with a 3-1 victory at home to an Andorra side now consigned to finish bottom of the section.

The Faroes have broken new ground in this UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign with victories against Russia and Latvia, but were heading for a shock defeat after Lluis Emilio Blanco's 32nd-minute header in Thorshavn. With coach Hedin Askham's words ringing in their ears, Wentzel Kamban equalised soon after half-time and Rógvi Baldvinsson completed the turnaround 16 minutes from time. Kristoffur Jacobsen sealed the points with a late free-kick.

"It was a disappointing first half for us – we were well below our best," said Askham, whose side could have been further behind after Gerard Aloy hit the crossbar from distance. "At the break the players agreed they had to improve and they did: we created plenty of good chances and scored three goals. We can all be very proud of picking up 11 points in this group." It could yet be 14: the Faroe Islands end their campaign away to Moldova on 4 September when Andorra host Latvia.