HELSINKI -- Germany scored twice in three
minutes midway through the second half to earn a 2-2 draw with
Finland in their group nine World Cup qualifier on Saturday.
The Germans, boasting a 100 percent record before the match,
found themselves 2-0 down at halftime after two goals for Mikael
Forssel and should have been further behind as the Finns
continued to dominate after the break.
But a 69th minute Michael Ballack penalty after defender
Hannu Tihinen brought down Carsten Jancker in the box got the
Germans moving and Jancker got the equaliser three minutes
later.
Germany remain top with 13 points from five games, six ahead
of England. Finland are third on five points.
Machlas scores to give Greece crucial win
CRETE, Greece -- Ajax forward Nikos Machlas
struck a flying volley 20 minutes from time to give Greece a 1-0
win over Balkan neighbours Albania in their World Cup group nine
qualifier on Saturday.
Albania frustrated the hosts in a tight first half with a
tireless pressing game that reduced Greece to a single shot from
veteran striker Alekos Alexandris.
Greece were more dangerous after the break with Olympiakos
top scorer going close again before Machlas finally swivelled to
volley in a low corner from just inside the box.
The win took Greece above Finland into third place in the
group on six points -- one behind England, who they play in
Athens on Wednesday.
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