Dramatic late Iceland comeback floors Finland

SOCCER-WORLDCUP-ICE-FIN:Dramatic late Iceland comeback floors Finland

By Brian Oliver

REYKJAVIK ( Reuters) - Euro 2016 quarter-finalists Iceland struck twice in a thrilling last six-minute spell to claim a stunning 3-2 victory over Finland in World Cup Group I qualifying on Thursday.

Alfred Finnbogason equalised after 90 minutes before Gylfi Sigurdsson bundled in the winner in the sixth minute of added time. Two of Iceland's goals came from corners and from another they won a penalty for handball but Sigurdsson missed it, firing against the crossbar in the 51st minute.

Sigurdsson hit a post with another shot a few minutes later and the hosts looked like having a miserable night as goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky made a string of good saves.

Finland were inspired in the first half by attacking midfielder Robin Lod of Panathinaikos.

Lod was involved in the build-up for his side's first goal, a header by Teemu Pukki from Kari Arkivuo's cross. He then scored the second himself with a powerful left-foot shot in the 39th minute after Iceland had levelled through Kari Arnason.

Iceland, who joined group leaders Croatia on four points from two games, were without three regular starters because of injury, goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson and forwards Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson.

They hope to have the trio back for Sunday's home game against fourth-placed Turkey.

Finland are second from bottom with one point.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)

(This story has not been edited by economictimes.com and is auto–generated from a syndicated feed we subscribe to.)
Download
The Economic Times Business News App
for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App
for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
READ MORE
ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE:

LOGIN & CLAIM

50 TIMESPOINTS

More from our Partners

Loading next story
Business News › News › Sports › Dramatic late Iceland comeback floors Finland
Text Size:AAA
Success
This article has been saved

*

+