Estonia: All you need to know

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

ESTONIA found themselves in a tough-looking group, with 2006 World Cup winners Italy and an improving Serbia side the standout opposition.

They started their campaign in the right way, beating the Faroe Island’s 2-1 at home, although they had to come from behind and take the win with two injury-time goals.

Up next were Italy, with Sergei Zenjov scoring in a 2-1 defeat.

A difficult-looking trip to Serbia followed, with Estonia winning 3-1 despite falling behind early on. Although they could not back it up with a win – they lost to Slovenia – a draw with Serbia consolidated their position.

Defeats to Italy and surprisingly, the Faroe Islands, followed, before three closing wins, one against Slovenia and two against Northern Ireland, saw them home.

WHO IS THEIR MANAGER?

57-year-old Tarmo Ruutli is the head coach and having been born in Viljandi, knows just how much qualification means to his country.

He was a midfielder during his playing career and has managed Estonia once before. Ruutli currently splits his time between managing Estonia and FC Nomme United.

MAIN THREAT?

MIDFIELDER Konstantin Vassiljev has scored 14 goals in 46 appearances for the Estonians. He came off the bench to score his last two international goals against Northern Ireland, giving Estonia a 2-1 away win at Windsor Park. He currently plays in the Russian Premier League for Amkar Perm.

NATIONAL ANTHEM?

THE national anthem is called ‘Mu isamaa, mu onn ja room’ which means ‘My Native Land, My Pride and Joy’. It shares the same melody as the national anthem of Finland.