Klose hat-trick rescues Germany in Finland

(CNN) -- Prolific striker Mirolsav Klose rescued Germany with a hat-trick as they grabbed a 3-3 draw against Finland in Helsinki on Wednesday night.

Pavlyuchenko put Russia ahead with a 22nd minute penalty in Moscow.

Germany were heading for an embarrassing defeat as they trailed for the third time after a goal by Finland's Daniel Sjolund early in the second half.

But with seven minutes remaining, Klose stabbed the ball home to mark his 84th international appearance.

He nearly scored a fourth in the dying moments, but defeat would have been harsh on the Finns who were playing their opening match in Group 4 which is now led by Germany with four points after their 6-0 rout of Liechenstein at the weekend.

Finland, playing under new English coach Stuart Baxter, were twice ahead in the first half as Malmo striker Jonatan Johansson gave them a 32nd minute lead.

But Germany hit back quickly when Klose held off a challenge from Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia and fired home just six minutes later.

Finland reclaimed as midfielder Mika Vayrynen scored neatly from a cross from Sjolund but the lead was even more shortlived as Klose saw his first header saved by Finland goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen before following up to equalize.

Ex-Liverpool man Sjolund was allowed a free header to score in the 53rd minute, but Klose, who had an earlier effort cleared off the line, spared the German blushes.

Earlier, Russia substitute Pavel Pogrebnyak scored a late winner as the Euro 2008 semifinalists beat Wales 2-1 in their opening Group 4 match in Moscow.

Pogrebnyak, who replaced Sergei Semak in the 73rd minute, seized on a rebound with nine minutes remaining to fire home.

It spelt heartbreak for the visitors who had dragged their way back into the match which was played in pouring rain at Moscow Lokomotiv's 28,000-seater stadium.

Against the run of play, Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale won a penalty in the 17th minute as he was pulled down by Russia skipper Semak.

But Bale saw his penalty kick well saved by Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeyev who parried his effort away.

Bale's new Tottenham Hotspur teammate Roman Pavlyuchenko made him pay for his error as he put Russia ahead from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute after Carl Robinson fouled Konstantin Zyryanov.

Bale made amends after the interval as a surging run saw him burst into the Russian penalty area and cross for Joe Ledley to equalize in the 67th minute.

The youthful Wales team were looking good for at least a point until Pogrebnyak seized his moment after visiting keeper Wayne Hennessey pushed out a fierce shot.

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