Emil Konradsen Ceïde struck 1-0 in fine fashion after just over an hour. Substitute Fredrik Oppegård scored 2-0 twelve minutes from time.

The last match in the group is against Azerbaijan on Tuesday in Marienlyst. If Norway wins it, the team will overtake Croatia and end up top of Group A.

Norway opened the best match in Finland. Jørgen Strand Larsen and Johan Hove had shooting opportunities. Towards the end, it was Finland who drove the lap, but the red shirt continued to drift away in Finland.

Norway goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson had to work early after the break. Norway opened their best here too, but Finland finished well after four minutes. Klaesson was there and saved Norway.

After 62 minutes, Ceide, who was on loan at Sassuolo from Rosenborg, was in charge of the match performance. He went through several fins before placing the ball in a 15-16 yard corner.

Oppegård slipped forward at the back post after a post from the left a quarter of an hour later. A good takedown and ending on the roof of the net ensured it was 2-0.

The match against Azerbaijan until Tuesday must be won. A draw would see Croatia win the group with the better goal difference. Only the group winners will advance directly to the championships next summer.

Azerbaijan stands with just seven points in the group. The team’s two wins came against Estonia, who ended their qualification with zero points.

The Norwegian U21 team has not competed in the championship since 2013. Next year’s European Championship will be played in Romania and Georgia. The previous 23 attempts had ended with two playoffs. In 1998 and 2013, it ended in bronze.