Sport 15-11-2001 Germans Book Place In World Cup who: Germany football team what: Qualify for World Cup finals where: Germany when: Last night snippet: "Germany scored three early goals and routed Ukraine 4-1 yesterday to qualify for the 2002 World Cup," reports The Independent. "The two teams drew 1-1 in Kiev in the first leg of the playoff Saturday and the threetime champions went through 5-2 on aggregate." "After a qualifying group beset with upsets and unrest," says The Telegraph, "they showed, against the woefully inept Ukraine, both passion and pride to take their place in South Korea and Japan." Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Michael Ballack was Man of the Match, says Ben Kinsella in The Sun, scoring after only three minutes. "Oliver Neuville and Marko Rehmer then also scored in quick succession to put the home side out of sight with less than 15 minutes on the clock." Ballack scored again moments into the second half before Ukraine`s Shevchenko scored put past Oliver Kahn in the very last minute. However, manager Rudi Voeller has hinted that he may not stay on to lead his country to their 15th World Cup finals, reports the BBC. "I`m very relieved," he said last night. But he added: "I will announce a decision how I will go forward before Christmas." Meanwhile, Brazil are through thanks to a comfortable 3-0 win over Venzuela, Turkey booked their place last night with a 5-0 rout of Austria, Slovenia beat Romania 3-2 on aggregate and Belgium beat the Czech Republic 2-0 on aggregate. The Republic of Ireland will play their second leg against Iran this afternoon. [... more]

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