Germany went four points clear at the top of their World Cup qualifying group with a win over Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan no match for Group Four leaders
Germany went four points clear at the top of their World Cup qualifying group following a 2-0 away win over minnows Azerbaijan.
Joachim Loew's side remain unbeaten and are now favourites to claim Group Four's automatic qualifying spot for next year's tournament in South Africa.
The visitors looked lively early on, but did not add to Bastian Schweinsteiger's 12th-minute strike until Miroslav Klose netted a second in the 55th minute.
Germany made a bright start with Michael Ballack's teasing early free-kick serving as a warning to the hosts.
And they surged into the lead after just 12 minutes when Schweinsteiger unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty which flew just under the crossbar.
Chances
Mario Gomez missed a chance to make it two on the half-hour mark when his header from Piotr Trochowski's cross just brushed the outside of the post.
Although Germany appeared to have the game under control, they were unable to put the result beyond doubt and Klose missed the first of two golden opportunities when he headed into the ground and saw the ball bounce over on the stroke of half time.
He missed another simple header from six yards midway through the second half, but he had already put his name on the scoresheet by then.
The Bayern Munich striker was on hand to nod the ball in after Gomez's shot was tipped onto the crossbar by Farhad Valiyev, giving Germany a two-goal cushion in the 54th minute.
The home side reacted well and put Germany under pressure but never showed enough conviction in front of goal.
Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke got the quiet game he was hoping for as Azerbaijan, despite creating spaces for shots, were hesitant to test him, allowing Germany to hold on comfortably for the three points.
