Estonia strike late to secure a point against Serbia

Konstanin Vassiljev struck six minutes from time to earn Estonia a 1-1 draw against Serbia in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group C.

Having boosted their hopes of reaching next year's finals with a 2-1 win against Northern Ireland on Friday, Serbia again looked well set when Marko Pantelić – a scorer four days ago – found the net seven minutes before half-time. Vassiljev ensured the spoils were shared, though, leaving Serbia third in the section, level on points with second-placed Slovenia and five behind leaders Italy.

Tarmo Rüütli's side had the first opening in a snowy Tallinn, Kaimar Saag connecting with Dmitri Kruglov's cross only for Serbia captain Nemanja Vidić to block his effort. Home keeper Sergei Pareiko was soon in action himself, denying Zoran Tošić from close range after fine build-up play from Milan Jovanović.

Vassiljev, a scorer in Estonia's 3-1 win in Belgrade in October, tried to repeat the trick just after the half-hour but was thwarted by Željko Brkić. Pantelić, however, did break the deadlock with a clinical finish following a goalmouth scramble.

The Olympiacos FC striker turned creator after the break, Jovanović racing on to his pass but failing to find a way past Pareiko. Brkić was equally up to the task when called upon to keep out substitute Ats Purje's header, but could do nothing to prevent Vassiljev's equaliser from a free-kick.