Rafael double inspires Germany

Two goals from Nando Rafael and further strikes from Malik Fatih an Ioannis Masmanidis handed Germany a comfortable 4-0 win in their UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Wales.

Early lead
German were in full control of the match in Braunschweig and Rafael needed only three minutes to give Germany the lead. The Hertha BSC Berlin striker hit Roberto Hilbert's cross on the volley only to see his initial attempt blocked by Adam Davies but he immediately followed up to score the rebound.

Lucky escapes
The hosts continued to run the show but Wales had luck on their side with the Germans hitting the woodwork time and time again. However, after the break there was no stopping the Group A leaders.

Further strikes
Rafael doubled his tally on 51 minutes with a powerful header after a perfect chipped pass from Hamburger SV midfielder Piotr Trochowski, and three minutes later Fathi's shot from distance took a deflection off Byron Anthony to beat Wales goalkeeper Lee Worgan for the third time.

Masmanidis volley
Germany saved their best for last though when substitutes Eugen Polanski and Masmanidis linked up. The VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder sent a cross into the area and Masmanidis volleyed viciously from close range to seal a comfortable win.