England U21’s scrape past Wales and qualify for Euro 2009

England 2 - Wales 2 (Agg. 5-4) (U21 Euro 2009 qualifier, second-leg, October 14, 2008) Stuart Pearce’s side took the lead through a Tom Huddlestone free-kick. Only for Aaron Ramsey to give Wales real hope with a fantastic equaliser through a long range strike and then the Arsenal man played in Simon Church who put them ahead with his third goal of the tie. England hit back with an og from Sam Vokes which left the game all square at the break. Despite Tom Huddlestone’s sending off midway through the second period for a 50-50 challenge, Wales could not get the goal that would have levelled the tie.

Finland 2* - Austria 1 (Pens. 4-2) (Agg. 3-3) (U21 Euro 2009 qualifier, second-leg, October 14, 2008) The Finns were trailing 3-1 on aggregate with ten minutes remaining, yet they forced extra time thanks to a brace from substitute Jussi Vasara. Goalkeeper Tomi Maanoja then took over as hero in the penalty shoot-out, saving two Austrian attempts as the hosts prevailed 4-2.

France 3 - Tunisia 1 (International friendly, October 14, 2008) Tunisian forward Issam Jemaa exploited terrible defending from Jean-Alain Boumsong to put the visitors ahead with a low angled shot that squeezed through Mandanda’s legs after half an hour. France levelled 10 minutes later with a superb goal from Thierry Henry, who fired into the top corner from just outside the box after a one-two with Yoann Gourcuff. And Henry was on target again three minutes into the second half, before Karim Benzema wrapped up the victory with a strike from the edge of the area.

Portugal 0 - Ukraine 1 (U21 International friendly, October 14, 2008) Ukraine stole the victory in the 90th minute as Valeriy Fedorchuk stole across the near post to steer home the winner.