International World Cup 2014 — 23 March 2013

Finland celebrate a famous draw in SpainIn last night’s World Cup qualifiers there was a big surprise in Gijon as world champions Spain drew 1-1 with Finland.

Spain took the lead in the 49th minute, defender Sergio Ramos heading home from a corner.

However the home side were shocked with just 12 minutes left as striker Teemu Pukki equalised for the visitors.

The draw was good news for France, as Les Bleus moved to the top of the Group I table with a 3-1 victory over Georgia in Paris. France took the lead in first half stoppage-time through Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud.

They doubled their lead straight just after the break through an effort from midfielder Mathieu Valbuena and Franck Ribery completed the rout on 61 minutes. Georgia got a consolation goal on 70 minutes through Alexander Kobakhidze.

Elsewhere, Group C produced some interesting results, as Sweden were held 0-0 by the Republic of Ireland. Germany won 3-0 in Kazakhstan, but the biggest winners of the night in the group were Austria who hammered the Faroe Islands 6-0.

The result means that Sweden, Austria and the Republic of Ireland are all still realistic contenders for the runners-up spot in the group with Germany seemingly set to clinch the automatic berth.

Another team running away with their group is the Netherlands, who comfortably defeated Estonia 3-0 in Amsterdam. Hungary and Romania who are vying for second place in the group and drew 2-2 in an entertaining encounter, while Turkey won 2-0 in Andorra to bring an end to a poor run of form.

Group A now looks very tight. Both Croatia and Belgium are tied at the top of the table. Belgium claimed a comfortable 2-0 victory in Macedonia, while Croatia beat bitter-rivals Serbia 2-0 to stay on level points with the Belgians.

In the other game of the group Wales won 2-1 in Scotland with two late goals. The victory moved Chris Coleman’s side up to third in the group table.

Who achieved the most important victory in last night’s qualifiers?

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David Nugent

David is a 29 year-old football fan and journalist, who is passionate about the beautiful game. He is a lifelong supporter of Premier League Everton and likes nothing better than a healthy discussion about the world's favourite sport.

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