Match Number: 706 Date: 06.11.2001 Location: Gelsenkirchen Competition: World Cup Qualifying GERMANY: Kahn Rehmer, Wörns, Nowotny, Ziege Ballack, Ramelow, Böhme (46. Asamoah), Deisler Bierhoff, Neuville (76. Klose) FINLAND: Niemi Reini (79. Helin), Tihinen, Hyypiä, Saarinen Riilathi, Litmanen, Tainio (83. Grönlund) Nurmela, Forssel, Johansson (66. Kuqi) Attendance: 52,333 (sellout) Ref: Anders Frisk (Schweden) Yellow cards: Neuville (2), Reini, NurmelaYet another disgraceful performance, certainly due to the shellacking received against England. Once again the German squad was listless, and despite controlling the game, could barely muster any chances.
This game was made worse, because at the same time, England was sensationally going down at home to Greece! The expectation was that both England and Germany would win their matches, but the English would finish 1st by virtue of a better goal difference. Although David Beckham would save Albion's butt with a beautiful free kick in injury time, a single goal would have seen Germany through to the automatic World Cup spot.