International round-up: Big win for Finland and Pukki

Finland took a big step towards sealing a World Cup qualifying play-off spot on Saturday afternoon following a 3-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Finland took a big step towards sealing a World Cup qualifying play-off spot on Saturday afternoon following a 3-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Teemu Pukki was once again named in the starting eleven by boss Markku Kanerva, as he received his 99th international cap.

Finland are now second in Group D with just one match remaining, thanks to a hard-fought victory in Zenica.

Pukki missed a penalty on 25 minutes but made amends moments later when he set up Brentford striker Marcus Forss to open the scoring.

Jukka Raitala then saw red for the Huuhkajat, but that didn't stop them from stretching their advantage after the break through Robin Lod.

Substitute Luka Menalo halved the deficit for Bosnia on 69 minutes but Finland quickly restored their two-goal lead on 73 minutes through Daniel O'Shaughnessy.

Pukki was substitued on 80 minutes and will be delighted with another important night's work for his national team.

They face France on Tuesday night, aiming to seal their place off spot, with their nearest challengers Ukraine travelling to Bosnia.

Elsewhere, Mathias Normann played 90 minutes as Norway surrended second spot in Group G following a goalless draw against Latvia.

Norway failed to break down their resolute opponents in Oslo, and after Turkey's win over Gibraltar, they find themselves outside the play-off spot with one qualifier remaining.

Next up is a visit to the Netherlands on Tuesday, with Turkey travelling to Montenegro.