A superb strike by David
Beckham resurrected England's 2002 World Cup hopes today asSven Goran Eriksson's men edged Finland 2-1 in their Group Ninequalifier at Anfield.
Beckham's rifled shot after 50 minutes secured three valuablepoints for England who battled back from being a goal down in asluggish opening 45 minutes in Eriksson's first competitive matchsince taking over as coach.
Aki Rihilahti, who plays in England for first divisionstrugglers Crystal Palace, had helped the Finns into the lead afterhis firm header flew in off defender Gary Neville after 27 minutes.
But Michael Owen levelled the scores a minute before half timewith a crisp shot.
Finland striker Jari Litmanen almost equlised with two minutesleft but a brilliant double save by David Seaman denied the formerBarcelona forward.
Belgium grabbed a last-gaspequaliser to draw 2-2 with Scotland at Hampden Park todayand remain top of the European Zone World Cup qualifying group six.
Lazio playmaker Pavel Nedved scored the only goal as the Czech Republic reinforced their dominance at the top of World Cup qualifying group three with a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland. Reuters/AFP