Klose’s double inspires Germany

A Miroslav Klose double gave Germany a big push towards Euro 2012 qualification, as they trounced minnows Kazahkstan 4-0 at home last night to keep their unbeaten record in Group A.

The win sent Joachim Loew’s side eight points clear of the chasing pack in Group A, with Belgium, Austria and Turkey all seeking to close the gap on Tuesday.

Kazahkstan remain pointless and goal-less at the bottom of the group.

Loew had called on his men to entertain against their lowly opponents, ranked 132 in the world, and his players did not take long to warm the crowd up, taking the lead within three minutes.

Dreadful Kazakhstan defending allowed Bayern Munich striker Klose to sneak in completely unmarked at the back post from a free-kick on the left and slot the ball home from less than a yard out.

Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil whipped in another set-piece, from the right this time, into a crowded penalty box and Thomas Mueller beat his marker to the header, nodding it smartly into the corner.

And the 22-year-old made it three just before the break, chesting down another cross from Ozil, finding himself totally unmarked in front of goal and firing it past the hapless David Loria between the Kazahkstan posts. With Germany enjoying almost unlimited possession, the second half began with the feeling of a training game and the sell-out crowd at the Fritz-Walter Stadium, home to Bundesliga club Kaiserslautern, began to show its frustration.

Even the introduction of the Bundesliga’s top scorer, Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez, did not give Germany the required cutting edge as they too often tried to pass the ball into the net.

But the dependable Klose gave the fans something to cheer about on their way home, tapping home a fourth for his 61st international goal, bringing him within seven of Gerd Mueller’s all-time German record.

Levan Kobiashvili struck in the last minute to condemn Croatia to their first Euro 2012 qualifying defeat and maintain Georgia’s superb form under coach Temuri Ketsbaia.

Martsvaladze picked up by the advancing Kobiashvili who lashed the ball left-footed into the roof of the net from just inside the area.

The hosts extended their unbeaten record to 10 games under Ketsbaia as Kobiashvili lifted them onto nine points in Group F, just a point behind Croatia.

Kayal winner

Israel gained some ground on the Croatians as a late winner from Beram Kayal enabled Israel to survive a rocky second-half period to beat Latvia and move to within two points of Group F leaders Croatia.

Elyaniv Barda gave them the lead in a first half they dominated, and Latvia were fortunate not to be out of sight by the time the half-time whistle went.

But they hung in and Kaspars Gorkss looked to have given them a point with an equaliser just after the hour until Kayal struck with nine minutes left.

Group B leaders Russia had to settle for a draw in Armenia despite dominating for most of the game.

That meant that the Russians have now been joined at the top of the group by both Slovakia and Ireland who won their respective matches yesterday.

Armenia, who are now in second place with eight points, started in a lively fashion, pinning Russia back in an attempt to expose their defensive frailties.

But the visitors held firm, stifling Armenia’s attacks and all the while looking for the chance to launch counter-attacks.

Midway into the first-half though Russia added power and precision to their attacks and created an impressive set of chances including nine corners.

The guests made Armenia’s goalkeeper Roman Berezovsky the most overworked player on the pitch at the Yerevan Republican stadium, but they failed to break the deadlock before the break.

Six minutes after the interval the hosts also created a clear opportunity for an opener, but striker Yura Movsisyan failed to find the net from seven metres out with the goal at his mercy.

Russia replied with another series of attacks, but once again they failed to capitalise on their goal-scoring opportunities.

Russian skipper Andrei Arshavin, who looked a pale shadow of his normal self, also had a chance to score in the 79th minute, but his shot from the edge of Armenia’s box went just inches wide off the right-hand post.

Group A

Austria 0
Belgium 2
Witsel 6, 50;

Germany 4
Klose 3, 88; Mueller 25, 43;
Kazakhstan 0

March 29
Turkey vs Austria
Belgium vs Azerbaijan

Group B

Andorra 0
Slovakia 1
Sebo 21;

Armenia 0
Russia 0

Ireland 2
McGeady 2; Keane 21;
Macedonia 1
Trickovski 45;

Group C

Serbia 2
Pantelic 65; Tosic 74;
N. Ireland 1
McAuley 40;

Slovenia 0
Italy 1
Motta 73;

March 29
Estonia vs Serbia
N. Ireland vs Slovenia

Group D

Albania 1
Salihi 62;
Belarus 0

Bosnia 2
Ibisevic 63; Dzeko 83;
Romania 1
Marica 29;

Luxembourg 0
France 2
Mexes 28; Gourcuff 72;

March 29
Romania vs Luxembourg

Group E

Hungary 0
Netherlands 4
Van der Vaart 8; Afellay 45; Kuyt 54; Van Persie 62;

March 29
Sweden vs Moldova
Netherlands vs Hungary

Group F

Georgia 1
Kobiashvili 90;
Croatia 0

Israel 2
Barda 16; Kayal 81;
Latvia 1
Gorkss 62;

Malta 0
Greece 1
Torosidis 90;

Red card: Papasthopoulos (G) 84.

March 29
Israel vs Georgia

Group G

Bulgaria 0
Switzerland 0

Wales 0
England 2
Lampard 7 pen; Bent 14;

Group H

Cyprus 0
Iceland 0

Norway 1
Huscklepp 81;
Denmark 1
Rommedahl 27;

June 4
Iceland vs Denmark
Portugal vs Norway

Group I

Spain 2
Villa 69, 73 pen;
Czech Rep. 1
Plasil 29;

March 29
Czech Rep. vs Liechtenstein
Lithuania vs Spain