Finland Beats Azerbaijan 2-1 in WCup Qualifier

Markus Heikkinen and Jonatan Johansson scored late in the second half to help Finland rally to beat Azerbaijan 2-1 Saturday in World Cup qualifying.

Elvin Mammadov scored off Vaqif Cavadov's pass from the right in the 49th minute to give Azerbaijan the lead, but Heikkinen equalized in the 75th when his lofted pass into the box bounced into the net off defender Vladimir Levin.

Johansson scored the winner off Jari Litmanen's corner kick with three minutes left in regulation.

Finland has 15 points after seven games in the Group 4 standings. Azerbaijan has one point.

Azerbaijan: Kamran Agayev, Mahir Sukurov, Sasa Yunisoglu, Vladimir Levin, Elnur Allahverdiyev, Samir Abbasov, Elvin Mammadov (Rahid Amirquliyev, 84), Vagif Javadov, Rashad Sadigov, Ruslan Abisov (Javid Gusseinov, 45), Vugar Nadirov (Daniel Akhtyamov,72).

Finland: Jussi Jaaskelainen, Veli Lampi, Niklas Moisander, Hannu Tihinen (Jari Litmanen, 45), Petri Pasanen, Markus Heikkinen, Teemu Tainio, Roman Eremenko, Jonatan Johansson, Alexei Eremenko, Shefki Kuqi (Daniel Sjolund, 73 (Joonas Kolkka, 83).