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World Cup qualifying: Andorra stand firm to hold Finland [Mon Sep 5th, 2005]
Andorra la Vella (Reuters) - Andorra have produced an impressive defensive display to earn a 0-0 draw at home to Finland, effectively ending the Scandinavian side's 2006 World Cup qualifying hopes.
With three games remaining in European zone Group One, Finland are eight points adrift of the second-placed Czech Republic, who are away to Romania later on.
For Andorra, one of the traditional whipping boys of world football, the result gave them yet another boost in what has been their most successful qualification run in their short history in international competition.
The team from the tiny Pyreneean principality beat Macedonia 1-0 at home last October to claim their first points in an official qualifying match. They then earned a 0-0 draw away to the same opponents in February.
Andorra now have five points from 10 matches, one more than Armenia, who play group leaders Holland later on.
David Rodrigo's side, who had shipped 14 goals in their previous three qualifiers, produced a far better display at the back against a lacklustre Finland, limiting the visitors to just two clear chances in the first half.
Andorra keeper Koldo was also in fine form, producing a great save to turn a Shefki Kuqi header round the post in the 14th minute and making another good stop to beat away a close-range effort from Mikael Forssell midway through the second half.
The home side's only clear chances came from set pieces with midfielder Justo Ruiz forcing a sharp save from Mikko Kaven midway through the first half and then shaving the post with a well struck curler in the 63rd minute.
The Finns almost snatched victory during a goal-mouth scramble 11 minutes from time, but midfielder Manolo Jimenez cleared a goal-bound shot from Toni Kuivasto off the line.
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