2002 World Cup - Germany 0 Finland 0

A dismal 0-0 draw in Gelsenkirchen left Germany facing a tough trip to Ukraine to try and qualify for the 2002 World Cup finals.

That they face a play-off is in itself remarkable.

The Germans had previously qualified automatically for every World Cup finals previously but their obvious flws were very vivid in this drab draw and they are perhaps lucky to even have a play-off place.

The Germans were encouraged to hear that Greece were beating England for most of their game but David Beckham's 93rd minute free kick equaliser came three minutes after this game at Schalke 04's stadium.

Rudi Voller's team had only one shot on target in the first half from Sebastian Deisler as Finland concentrated on compact defence.

The German team could find no way through and almost conceded in the 40th minute when a free kick from Janne Saarinen was deflected making Oliver Kahn saved low to his right.

Substitute Gerald Asamoah made a big difference to the second half for Voller's men and captain Oliver Bierhoff headed against the cross bar in the 67th minute and goalkeeper Antii Niemi dived shortly afterwards at the feet of Asamoah to save well.

Niemi and Mike Nurmela combined to clear a Bierhoff header from the goal line and the Monaco forward also hit the bar a second time only to see Oliver Neuville blast the rebound against the post. Niemi had to defy an 86th minute drive from Michael Ballack butt his game ended bleakly for the German team. Finland's defence held out to allow Beckham's free kick to send Germany into the play-offs.