Moldova defeat Finland in opening 2012 Euro qualifier

Moldova started their 2012 Euro qualifying campaign on Friday with a home victory over Finland, 2-0, Info-Prim Neo reports. The Tricolors started the game vigorously and had at least two early scoring occasions. The balance of the match broke on the 36th minutes when Finland captain Sami Hyypia was sent off for what appeared to be a professional foul against Viorel Frunza, who had had a clear run at goal. In the second half the hosts intensified the offense and their efforts paid off. First, substitute Alexandru Suvorov scored from a free-kick on the 69th minutes and five minutes later Anatol Doros' long-range goal secured the victory. The victory over Finland was Moldova's first win in a competitive match in nearly three years and also the first official success for Gabi Balint as Moldova manager. -- [Lineups:] {Moldova:} Stanislav Namasco, Vitalie Bordian, Alexei Savinov, Simon Bulgaru, Vadim Boret, Eugeniu Cebotaru, Alexandru Epureanu, Nicolae Josan (Alexandru Suvorov, 58), Igor Tigirlas (Igor Bugaiov, 68), Anatolie Doros (Valeriu Andronic, 75), Viorel Frunza. {Finland:} Otto Fredrikson, Petri Pasanen, Niklas Moisander, Sami Hyypia, Roman Eremenko, Jari Litmanen ( Kasper Hamalainen, 46), Tim Sparv, Jonatan Johansson, Alexei Eremenko jr. (Mikael Forssell, 81), Markus Heikkinen, Roni Porokara (Mika Vayrinen, 75). -- After the match, Finland manager Stuart Baxter stated: “Hyypia's dismissal made us change the tactics, but Moldova managed to score, making it very hard for us to save the game”. Moldova manager Gabi Balint was content with the result and his disciples' performance: “We dominated the entire game and we had lots of scoring opportunities. Our intention was to surprise the rival side with an offensive game and we succeeded. I am very grateful to the boys”. Elsewhere in Group E, favorites Holland defeated San Marino, 5-0, as Sweden eased past Hungary, 2-0. In the next round on Tuesday, September 7, the fixtures will be as follows: Holland – Finland, Sweden – San Marino, and Hungary – Moldova.