Finland have found themselves on the receiving end of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Romania in their Euro 2016 Group F qualifier in Helsinki, courtesy of Bogdan Stancu's brace.
© Getty Images
The game began in cagey fashion, as niggling fouls and tackles broke up play in the early stages, with Cristian Tanase earning himself a yellow card in the eighth minute for one such action.
The first chance of the game fell to Ovidiu Hoban, whose effort from outside the box in the 12th minute flew just wide.
Moments later, Finland countered through Perparim Hetemaj, but Romania stopper Ciprian Tatarusanu pulled off a good save to thwart the Chievo midfielder.
Midway through the first half, Hoban and Gabriel Torje threatened the Huuhkajat goal in quick succession, but the visitors survived the attack.
Despite Romania having the best of the chances, they could not break the deadlock, with both sides going in level at the break.
Victor Piturca's side managed to get themselves into the lead nine minutes after the restart when Lucian Sanmartean's cross was headed home by Stancu.
Finland made things even more difficult for themselves just two minutes later when Alexander Ring was given his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card.
Romania then sealed the win with seven minutes to go when the Genclerbirligi forward scored his second of the game, blasting an effort from outside the box past Nikki Maenpaa.
