10-man Finland beat BiH to keep WC dream alive

Finland scored a dominating victory over the host Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) by 3 goals to 1 in the World Cup qualifier Group D match held at Stadion Bilino polje, Zenica on Saturday keeping their hope alive to play in the Qatar World Cup 2022.

With this victory, the Finns secured second place in the table with 11 points from seven matches. World Champions France remain top in the point table.

Although Teemu Pukki failed to score from a penalty in the 25^th minute, Finland took 1-0 lead in the 29^th minute when Marcus Forss netted from a pass inside the box given by Pukki.

The Finns faced a blow at the 37^th minute when defender Jukka Raitala was sent off with a straight red card for a poor tackle.

The ten men Finland, however, continued their effort to uphold the score and Robin Lod doubled the difference in 52nd minute where Pukki again played a key role, chasing a lost cause to keep the ball in. Väisänen played it back to Lod, who rifles in.

The host Bosnia and Herzegovina reduced the goal difference when Luka Menalo turned a cross into the roof of the net, but the Finns ensured the victory after defender Daniel O'Shaughnessy scored in the 73rd minute.

Finland will play against France on 16 November.