FINLAND GO TOP AFTER BEATING ARMENIA

Reuters, UK
Nov 15 2006

HELSINKI, Nov 15 (Reuters) – Finland moved top of Group A with a 1-0
win over Armenia in their Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday after a
fine display by keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Midfielder Mika Nurmela gave Finland the lead after 10 minutes with
a free header as he connected with a low cross by Jonatan Johansson,
who was first to the ball after Armenia keeper Gevorg Kasparov could
only parry a long-range strike.

Finland lead the group with 11 points from five games followed by
Serbia who have 10 points from four matches.

The Finns have started well under new coach Roy Hodgson as they bid
to qualify for their first major finals, having beaten Poland and
drawn with World Cup semi-finalists Portugal.

Armenia, who drew 0-0 against Finland last month, came close to
surprising the Finns again and only two superb saves by Jaaskelainen
in the second half kept the home side ahead.