November 16 2000

Crystal Palace

On-loan defender Steve Staunton scored a superb last minute goal in Republic of Ireland's 3-0 win over Finland, last night.

The win was flattering for the Republic who struggled against a Finnish team which included striker Mikael Forssell.

Finland had a lot of possesion and Jari Litmanen and PSV Eindhoven's Joonas Kolkka had chances to score.

The visitor's best chance of the night came to Kolkka just before half-time, when Forssell fed him through and his shot hit the crossbar.

Steve Finnan and Kevin Kilbane scored their first international goals, leaving second-half substitute Sataunton to grab the third.

He got it with literally the last kick of the game, curling a free kick from the edge of the box past.

Meanwhile, Aleksandrs Kolinko and Andrejs Rubins both played in Latvia's 1-0 win over San Marino.

It was Latvia's first points gained in their World Cup European Qualifying campaign. Latvia struggled to break down a plucky San Marino and had Southampton midfielder Imants Bleidelis sent-off with nine minutes to go.