Finland beat Russia to win first ice hockey gold

Finland previously reached the men's final at the 1988 and 2006 Winter Olympics

Finland won their first Olympic men's ice hockey gold with victory over the Russian Olympic Committee on the final day of the Beijing Games.

It caps an unbeaten run in the competition for Finland, who have won a medal in the discipline in five of the past seven Olympics.

"On this day we're the best hockey country in the world," Finnish forward Harry Pesonen said.

• How did Team GB fare at the Winter Olympics?
• GB thrash Japan to win women's curling gold
• Sixth 'like a medal' for self-funded GB bobsleigh team

Finland reached the final at the 1988 Calgary Games and 2006 Turin Olympics, losing to the Czech Republic and Sweden respectively.

However, Ville Pokka and Hannes Bjorninen both struck to put Finland ahead, while goalkeeper Harri Sateri saw off 17 shots from the Russians.

"It was an emotional incredible moment - I don't even realise yet it is such a huge thing," Sateri said.

"It has been a dream since I was a kid. An Olympic gold medal is just unreal."

• Gassed Up: Rapper Mist takes on celebrity opponents in a daring driving challenge
• Villanelle and Eve are back: Watch the trailer for the extraordinary new series of Killing Eve