CELTIC keeper Viljami Sinisalo had a shut-out as Finland beat New Zealand 2-0 in Auckland this morning.
The agile shotstopper continued his impressive form for his country with a couple of top-class saves to deny the hosts.
The Finns opened the scoring against their World Cup-bound opponents in the 25th minute when Joel Pohjanpalo rose at the far post to head in an inviting corner-kick.
Only moments later, Sinisalo saved a 20-yard volley from Tim Payne to keep his nation ahead at the interval.
ON GUARD…Viljami Sinisalo in action for Finland.
The Kiwis piled on the pressure after the break in their search for the equaliser, but they couldn’t get the ball past the confident Hoops netminder.
They were hit by a classic suckerpunch five minutes from time when Jaakko Oksanen fired in the killer goal.
Sinisalo, bought for £1million from Aston Villa in the summer of 2024, has taken over the No.1 position at the champions following the persistent shoulder injury that has threatened Kasper Schmeichel’s career.
The 39-year-old Danish legend has missed the last six games and is expected to face 10 to 12 months in rehab.
Sinisalo will be back in goal for the Hoops when the Premiership restarts a week on Sunday with a trip to Dens Park to take on Dundee.
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