Spain welcomed Finland in their World Cup qualification clash on Friday looking to extend their lead at the summit of Group I.
The home nation utterly dominated possession in the first period, but were restricted to long-range efforts, with the score remaining level at the interval.
The deadlock was broken in the early stages of the second half, however, with Sergio Ramos scoring on his 100th appearance for Spain.
The home side continued to boss proceedings in the latter stages, but Teemu Pukki sensationally equalised for Finland with 10 minutes remaining.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Domestic football is replaced by the international sort over the next week as the focus switches to the build-up to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Spain will once more enter the tournament as the favourites, should they qualify, with not many expecting Finland to cause too many problems this evening.
As mentioned, the last meeting between Spain and Finland was in a friendly clash in 2007, where the two sides played out a 0-0 draw. However, Spain were victorious in both matches in 1994. Much has changed since then, but Vicente del Bosque’s side will be confident of picking up the three points this evening.
Since winning Euro 2008 under Luis Aragones, Spain have become the leading side in world football. Del Bosque, who succeeded Aragones, led his side to the 2010 World Cup before defending their European Championship crown in Poland and Ukraine last year. Although they are holders of the competition, they must earn the right to compete next year in Brazil.
Spain have not lost a competitive match since they were surprisingly beaten in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in Sweden, although England did record a shock 1-0 victory in a friendly clash in November 2011. Despite that wobble, they are still regarded as the best team in world football, a tag they must live up to by making the finals of this competition.
Finland, meanwhile, have lost both of their last two matches against Israel and Sweden. They had previously been on a three-match unbeaten run, but that included games against Georgia, Cyprus and Thailand, teams that, with respect, would not cause too many issues to most sides competing for a place in Brazil.
The away side failed to make Euro 2012 after finishing third from bottom in their group above only Moldova and San Marino. They do have European pedigree in their team, however, with Ajax defender Niklas Moisander and former Chelsea striker Mikael Forssell returning to their squad. They will be without Rubin Kazan’s Alexei Eremeko, however, who is missing though suspension.
That said, there is a young striker making noises from Finland. Schalke forward Teemu Pukki has impressed this season for the German outfit, with a number of European sides understood to be monitoring his progress. Tottenham Hotspur fans will also remember another Teemu in the Finland squad, in the shape of Teemu Tainio who enjoyed a successful period in England.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS: Victor Valdes starts between the sticks for Spain, with David de Gea and Pepe Reina both on the bench. Sergio Ramos makes his 100th appearance for his country at the heart of the defence, while David Villa is also awarded a place in the team. Finland, meanwhile, do indeed start with highly-rated Schalke midfielder Pukki, with Teemu Tainio also starting in midfield. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
SPAIN: Valdes; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Iniesta, Busquets, Cazorla; Villa, Fabregas, Silva
FINLAND: Maenpaa; Moisander, Toivio, R.Eremenko, Hetemaj; Pukki, Arkivuo, Tainio, Ring; Hamalainen, Raitala
Let’s take a look at how both sides have fared in the competition thus far. Spain, who currently top the group, opened their campaign with a 1-0 win in Georgia, before thrashing Belarus 4-0 in Minsk last October. However, their winning run was ended when France held Del Bosque’s side to a 1-1 draw on October 16.
With Spain and France fighting for top position in the group, the clash between the two heavyweights next week becomes all the more important. Spain are without question the favourites to top this particular section, but France have been much-improved in recent months, with a fine mix of youth and experience.
Finland, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to France before picking up a 1-1 draw on their home match in October. They currently sit bottom of the group with just the single point, but have played one match less than the rest of the teams in the group. It is difficult to see them challenging at the other end of the table.
Looking ahead, as mentioned, Spain travel to France next Tuesday before facing a trip to Finland at the beginning of September. Their last two matches are both at home as they welcome Belarus and then Georgia. It would be one of the biggest shocks in the history of football if they did not emerge from this section.
Finland’s next match takes place against Belarus in June, before they travel to the same opponents one week later. A trip to Georgia follows in September, before they finish with a visit to France in October. Not the easiest of ends! In truth, it would be a success if they managed to finish third in the group this year.
Ahead of the match, Spanish defender Sergio Ramos has insisted that the national team cannot “live in the past” as they attempt to gain more silverware. He told AS: “This situation is real and it shows you cannot live in the past. It is nice to be champions but then you have to get back to winning and defending the title."
He continued: "Everyone expects us to win in Paris, but first is Finland. We must not prioritise Finland as they would make things hard in our fight to get to the World Cup. We must face the matches with humility because humility is what has made this squad great."
Sergio Busquets also had a word to say about the potential rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona players in the camp. To suggest that recent meetings between the two La Liga sides have been ‘fierce’ would be the understatement of the century, but the Catalan midfielder has insisted that the Spanish camp is united. He told reporters at a press conference: “Here the players of Barcelona and Real Madrid are all in the same ship. We know how to differentiate between what happens at club level and what happens with the national team."
Just a quick word on Sergio Ramos, who will play centre-back for Spain this evening. The Real Madrid defender will win his 100th cap against Finland, but in the process will become the youngest European player to gain such an honour, beating Germany’s Lukas Podolski by 21 days. Love him or loathe him, Ramos has had some career at the top level.
Here we go then, both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my pre-match prediction. I just cannot see any possible way how Spain do not comfortably pick up the three points this evening. It is a 4-0 home win for me.
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Just a reminder of the main team news this evening. No less than seven Barcelona players in the Spain side this evening, but the likes of Juan Mata and Jesus Navas must make do with a spot on the bench. Finland, meanwhile, name former Spurs midfielder Teemu Tainio in midfield alongside Schalke's Pukki. Right, the away side get the action underway.
Wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this evening with supporters from both nations making their voices known. You suspect that Finland will have to become accustomed to long periods without the ball in this match. That has indeed how the game has started with Spain beginning their passing style. It is just like watching Barcelona.
CHANCE! Spain come close to opening the scoring as Moisander slices towards his own goal, but luckily it just moves wide of the post. That is the last thing that Finland need this evening. Villa has a strike from distance moments later, but his effort was always moving wide of the post.
Finland have not had the ball in the Spain half with six minutes on the clock, which is a clear indication of how this match has developed. Again Spain work the ball wide to Arbeloa, who drills a low cross into the box, but Toivio steps across to clear. Alba attacks the other side moments later, but his cross is behind for a goal kick.
Another half-chance for the home side as Fabregas collects possession outside the box before curling an effort towards the top corner, but it was always moving high of the crossbar. Maenpaa attempts to find Pukki from a long goal kick, but Ramos is across. Complete and utter domination from Spain thus far, but the score remains goalless.
Decent spell for Finland in the last couple of moments with Tainio and Eremenko enjoying possession in midfield, but it does not last for long with Busquets across to clear. Spain's passing style continues moments later as Iniesta forces his way into the box, but once more Moisander clears for a corner. Finland simply cannot get out at the moment.
A high ball into the penalty area causes all sorts of problems for Maenpaa, but the Finn is just able to clear at the vital moment. Fabregas has a strike from distance moments later, but Toivio is across to make the block. The only surprise is that Spain have not opened the scoring with 10 minutes on the clock.
Another half-chance for the home side as Silva crafts his way into the penalty area before striking towards goal, but once more the danger is blocked. Silva is again involved moments later as he finds Villa inside the box, but his strike is wide of the post. Still no goals with 14 minutes on the clock.
It's delightful from Iniesta as the Barcelona midfielder crafts past two players before finding Arbeloa in the box, but the linesman raises his flag at the vital moment, cutting the attack short. For all their possession, Finland have not been too worried thus far with Spain having most of their efforts from outside the penalty area.
The whistle saves Finland once more as Villa collects a pass from Iniesta, but the forward is adjudged to have moved a moment too soon. Fabregas is next to be involved as he combines with Iniesta inside the box, but Maenpaa is out to make a fine save. The difference between these two teams is just vast.
Arbeloa is again the provider as he collects a pass from Iniesta before finding Busquets on the edge of the box, but his strike is blocked by Moisander, who has been very busy thus far. Alba is involved down the other side as he drills a low cross into the box, but there are no takers and it moves out for a throw.
Another half-chance for the home side as Iniesta strikes an effort from distance, but it was always moving wide of the post. Spain continue to pass Finland into submission, but again Villa strikes from distance, which is easily collected by the goalkeeper. Slight sense of frustration on the Spain bench in the last couple of moments.
CHANCE! Another opportunity for Spain as Cazorla strikes a powerful effort from outside the penalty area, but Maenpaa is down to make a really smart save. Forget parking the bus, Finland have parked the train inside the opening 24 minutes of this match. There are nine white shirts around the edge of the penalty area.
Cazorla is again involved for Spain as he combines with Villa before attempting to curl one into the bottom corner, but it just flashes past the post at the final moment. Finland finally have the ball in the Spain half for more than 20 seconds, but Ring can only cross into the arms of Valdes.
Another half-chance for Spain as Ramos meets a corner from Iniesta, but he can only turn his effort wide of the post. The home side could retire Valdes from this match, or bring on another midfielder. It is just like watching a training situation as the defence attempt to contain the attack. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
It just isn't quite happening for Spain at the moment as another attack breaks down in the final third with Iniesta unable to find the run of Villa. Finally Finland have an effort on goal as Eremenko collects a pass from Tainio before attempting to find the top corner, but it whistles over the crossbar. Better from the away side.
CHANCE! The opportunities continue to come for the home side as Fabregas drills a low cross into the penalty area, but once more there are no takers. That is the problem when Spain do not play a recognised striker, there isn't anyone prepared to make that type of run into the penalty area.
Spain force another shooting chance on the right as Arbeloa cuts inside before finding Iniesta on the edge of the box, but his slipped pass towards Villa is cleared by Ring, who has seen little of the ball in the final third. Spain may be utterly dominating this qualifier, but there is no question that Del Bosque will be frustrated with their lack of clear chances.
Fabregas attempts to go alone for the home side as he collects possession on the left before driving into the box, but once more he runs straight into the heart of the Finland traffic. Eremenko attempts to find the run of Pukki moments later, but Valdes is out to clear. Wouldn't it be just like football if the away side took the lead in this match.
Arbeloa continues to make the most of the space down the right as he drills a cross towards Silva, but the Manchester City man just cannot sort out his feet and the danger is cleared. Alba and Arbeloa are almost playing like wingers at the moment, but their final ball has been lacking thus far.
Another half-chance for Spain as Iniesta strikes an effort from outside the box, but Maenpaa is down to make a smart save. The resulting corner is whipped into the box by Fabregas, but it is cleared to the edge of the box before Villa thumps over the crossbar. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Spain continue to dominate the possession in the latter stages of the half as they pass and probe outside the penalty area, but Finland are comfortable in dealing with the danger. There are many positives to playing without a frontman, but I wonder whether we will see the likes of Alvaro Negredo in the second period. It remains goalless with little over two minutes of the half to play in Spain.
I think you know you may be having some problems when Busquets strikes an effort from outside the box, with the Barcelona midfielder firing wide of the target. Silva tries his luck moments later, but once more Maenpaa is unmoved. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute at the end of the half.
HALF-TIME: Spain 0-0 Finland
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Spain have utterly dominated possession since the very first moment this evening, but they have been restricted to very few clear chances. It would not be a surprise to see a striker introduced for the second period.
STATISTICS: Spain have dominated possession with 81% of the ball, while they have had nine attempts to Finland's one. There is no question that the home nation have been in the driving seat, but Del Bosque will not be happy with their creation this evening. Finland have been comfortable for large periods.
BENCH WATCH: There really is an embarrassment of riches on the Spain bench this evening with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Pedro, Juan Mata, Negredo and Jesus Navas in reserve, not to mention Isco and Javi Garcia. The options are more limited for Finland, but former Chelsea striker Forssell is an attacking option.
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Just a reminder that Spain currently sit top of Group I ahead of France, who are currently level with Georgia. Looking across Europe for a moment, England currently lead San Marino 4-0, while Scotland and Wales are level at 0-0. No goals in Sweden either with Republic of Ireland the visitors.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Spain make one change at the interval with Pedro, who has scored nine goals in his last six internationals, replacing Cazorla. Surely Finland cannot hold on for another 45 minutes? Be sure to remain with us for the entirety of the action as Spain get the half underway.
Slightly nervy moment for Maenpaa as Iniesta chips a dangerous cross into the penalty area, but the Finn is able to palm clear with Fabregas in close contact. Alba once more attacks down the left before drilling a low cross towards Pedro, but again it breaks down. It simply has to be better from the home side in the second period.
Another half-chance for Spain as Villa collects possession in the box before turning and striking in one movement, but it takes a deflection before moving behind for a corner. The resulting set piece is whipped into the area by Iniesta, but Maenpaa is out to claim with confidence. It has been a good display from the Finland stopper thus far.
GOAL! Spain 1-0 Finland (Ramos)
Finally Spain have the lead as Ramos heads an Iniesta corner into the back of the net. There will not be a more popular scorer this evening with the Real Madrid defender making his 100th appearance in this match. Well, that has certainly changed the entire feel of this tie.
Spain look much more potent in the second period with Villa leading the line. Suddenly there is a target inside the penalty area with the Barcelona forward linking with the midfield. Pedro is again involved as he strikes from outside the box, but it just deflects past the post before Iniesta is denied by Toivio.
Spain are just about as comfortable as any side could possibly imagine at this level of football as they continue to keep possession outside the Finland penalty area. Not too much attacking intent, but the energy is being sucked from the away side. I would be astounded if there were not more goals in the match.
It's just divine from Spain as Fabregas collects possession on the edge of the box before finding Arbeloa, the Real Madrid defender drives a low ball into the penalty area which is dummied by Villa, but Pedro's effort is wide of the post. That is just about as good as it gets from the world's best team.
Half-chance for Iniesta this time as the Barcelona midfielder curls one from outside the box, but once more Moisander is across to make the block. The Ajax defender has certainly been their star performer thus far. Still Finland cannot get out, however, with Pukki isolated in the final third. He has not touched the ball in the second period.
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This time Ramos tries his luck from distance as the Spain skipper thumps one from outside the box, but it just whizzes past the post at the vital moment. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in this Group I encounter and it is so one-sided it hurts. But at 1-0, Finland always have a chance of forcing something down the other end.
Finally Finland have a strike on goal in the second period as Toivio advances forward from defence before releasing an effort towards the top corner, but it was always rising over the crossbar. The away side have managed just two attempts this evening, with neither testing Valdes. If I were Del Bosque I would take the goalkeeper off and put Juan Mata on the field.
CHANCE! First sign of Pukki this evening as the Finland striker tests the legs of Ramos before running behind the Spain defence, but he can only fire his effort wide of the post. Horrible finish, but that will give them confidence. Spain really need another to be sure of the win this evening.
Another half-chance for the home side as Villa strikes a free kick from outside the penalty area, but he can only find the top stand. Just a few signs that Finland can sense something here as Ring looks for the run of Pukki once more, but this time Ramos is across to clear. Just about 25 minutes of football remaining in this match.
Ramos looks for his second as he meets a cross from Iniesta, but this time he can only head over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Spain make their second change of the match as Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo replaces Villa. The incoming striker has had a wonderful season for his club side with 21 goals in 32 appearances. Can he make his mark in this match?
Almost the perfect incoming for Negredo as the Sevilla striker meets a run from Iniesta, but Maenpaa is out at the vital moment to quell the danger. The Finland goalkeeper attempts to release Pukki with a long kick, but Ramos is in control of the situation. Just a few signs of tiredness for the away side in the last couple of minutes.
Finland make their first change of the match as Tim Sparj replaces Tainio, who has just become slightly leggy in the last five minutes or so. Decent spell for the away side in the last couple of moments as they enjoy a period of possession, but it breaks down with Pique stepping across to clear. Spain break immediately down the other end, but Pedro fires wide of the post.
Pukki is again involved for the away side as he collects a cross from Eremenko before settling on the ball, but Ramos is across at the vital moment to make the challenge. Just a few signs of nerves in the stadium with Spain leading by just the one goal. It would be an unbelievable turn of events if Finland managed to take something from the match.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with Spain ever so comfortable in possession of the ball. De Bosque will not be pleased with their performance up until this point, however, having scored just the one goal against a team that they were tipped to beat comfortably. Strange atmosphere inside the stadium as Juan Mata replaces Fabregas in Spain's final change.
Again it's good work from Silva as the Manchester City winger drives into the penalty area before cutting the ball back to Mata, but once more Moisander is across to make the challenge. Alba takes over wide duties moments later, but this time Eremenko is the defensive shield. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in Spain.
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GOAL! Spain 1-1 Finland (Pukki)
Wow! Finland equalise with 10 minutes remaining as Pukki meets a cross from Ring before turning his effort into the back of the net. What a stunning end to this match. Can Spain force another goal in the final stages? Some shock on the cards!
Spain have dominated possession this evening, but they have not really done enough in the final third. This result could be a real problem for Spain ahead of the visit to France next week, should they lose that match then they would be five points behind with three matches remaining. That said, there is still plenty of football to be played this evening.
Ramos comes close to scoring his second of the evening as he meets a cross from Iniesta, but this time his header is high and wide of the target. Little over five minutes of football remaining and Spain have possession in the Finland half. You just get the feeling that there is going to be a late sting in the tail here.
Pass, pass, pass from Spain as they attempt to open up this stern Finland defence, but once more it breaks down. Ramos attempts to force the issue as he strikes an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving over the crossbar. Finland are just about five minutes from an incredible result.
CHANCE! Glorious chance for the home side as Iniesta finds Negredo in the penalty area, but the Sevilla striker can only turn his header wide of the post. Wonderful opportunity for the current world and European champions. Little over two minutes of normal time remaining.
Another half-chance for Spain as Mata meets a cross from Arbeloa, but he can only slice his effort wide of the post. Negredo is involved moments later, but his effort is clipped over the crossbar via a deflection. The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time.
Another opportunity for the home side as Iniesta curls a cross into the box, but the Finnish goalkeeper is out to collect under pressure from Silva, who receives a yellow card for kicking Maenpaa in the process. Little over one minute of football remaining, with Spain in control of the ball.
Finland make their final change of the match as Pukki is replaced by Markus Halsti. Half-chance for the away side as Ring collects possession in the Spanish box, but his effort is blocked by Pique. That could be just about it for this match.
FULL-TIME: Spain 1-1 Finland
Oh my word. Quite sensational result this evening as Finland hold Spain to a 1-1 draw. The home side dominated possession throughout the match, but simply could not find that second goal. Unbelievable turn of events. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for all the reaction. Good evening!
