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Published: Sunday March 29, 2009 MYT 7:28:00 AM
Updated: Sunday March 29, 2009 MYT 11:30:25 AM

Germany routs Liechtenstein 4-0 in World Cup qualifier

LEIPZIG, Germany (AP): Germany easily routed Liechtenstein 4-0 Saturday to strengthen its lead in its World Cup qualifying group.

Michael Ballack and Daniel Jansen gave the host a 2-0 lead after just nine minutes, with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski adding two more shortly after the break as Germany bounced back from two disappointing friendly losses against England and Norway.

"This was a must-win, and we did our job," Germany coach Joachim Loew said. "We could have scored the odd goal here or there, but I am satisfied. We were really motivated to push forward early and then had a stretch in the first half where we didn't play very strong. But we knew they would be packed in defensively and hardly come out offensively."

Germany leads Group 4 with 13 points from five matches. Russia, which beat Azerbaijan 2-0 Saturday, is second with nine points in four games.

Liechtenstein remained last in the group with one point in four matches.

Germany, which won a qualifier in Vaduz 6-0 in September, has a 4-0 record against Liechtenstein with a 27-3 goal difference.

Germany next faces Wales in Cardiff on Wednesday.

"It was important to go ahead early in the game," Ballack said. "We could have scored a couple more goals and had the chances. It wasn't our strongest game. And we will have a tougher game against Wales."

Ballack gave Germany the lead after just four minutes on a volley after a pass from Schweinsteiger. Jansen then took advantage of a loose ball by Liechtenstein goalkeeper Peter Jehle to double the lead five minutes later.

The Germans dominated play but could not score again Schweinsteiger slotted into an empty goal after Jehle blocked Podolski's shot in the 48th. Podolski made it 4-0 two minutes later after a cross from Mario Gomez.

Gomez, who has not scored in his last 13 internationals, missed a number of chances and even brought down some boos after hitting the right post in the 85th minute.

"What can I say? I really wanted to do a lot today and finally score again," Gomez said. "But I just couldn't use my chances.

I didn't have enough self-assurance and confidence."

Loew said he was disappointed about the crowd's response toward Gomez.

"He is an excellent player and still young," Loew said. "And I think it would have been better to give him some support."

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