Finland destroy San Marino 8-0
Reuters - Wednesday 17 November 2010, 20:03
HELSINKI, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Finland crushed San Marino 8-0
on Wednesday to notch a highest ever victory in a competitive
international and a first win in their Euro 2012 Group E
qualifying campaign.
Finland, playing under stand-in coach Olli Huttunen who
replaced Stuart Baxter last week, were helped by a Mikael
Forssell hat-trick having lead just 1-0 at the break courtesy of
Mika Vayrynen's 39th minute goal.
Kasper Hamalainen's grabbed a second four minutes after the
interval before the floodgates opened. Forssell, who has not
scored for Bundesliga side Hanover 96 this season, grabbed his
first on 51 minutes before adding two close range strikes on 59
and 78 minutes.
Finland's 39-year-old substitute Jari Litmanen, who is
expected to retire after making a record 137 appearances for the
national side, was also among the scorers with a 71st minute
penalty.
A second for Hamalainen and one for Roni Porokara completed
the goal scorers.
Finland are fifth in Group E with three points from four
games, while San Marino remain rock bottom with five defeats in
as many matches. Netherlands lead the group.