Defender Petri Pasanen turned into his own net in the 23rd minute and Finland's hopes of getting back into the game were destroyed when Veli Lampi did the same shortly after the hour mark.

Andrei Arshavin added a third right at the death to seal the victory for Russia and see them keep up the pressure on Group Four leaders Germany.

Having lost to the Germans on Saturday, Russia were eager to get their qualifying campaign back on track.

However, it was always going to be a tough task against a Finland side who had only dropped points in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Germany.

Russia finally made the breakthrough in the 23rd minute as Pasanen made a hash of clearing Arshavin's effort, instead slicing the ball into the back of the net with keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen helpless on the ground.

The visitors attempted to find the equaliser but could not find a way past Igor Akinfeev in the Russia goal.

All their good work went out the window in the 65th minute when the unfortunate Lampi deflected Konstantin Zyryanov's cross into his own net.

Finland coach Stuart Baxter immediately rang the changes, throwing on Teemu Tainio, followed shortly by Paulus Roiha as his side tried in vain to get back into the match.

But it was to no avail and Russia made sure of all three points in the final minute when Arshavin weaved his way through before firing past Jaaskelainen.