Germany see off spirited Switzerland

Germany moved three points clear of Russia at the top of 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying Group 4 with a comfortable win in Switzerland.

Swiss spirit
Fresh from the 3-0 win in the Republic of Ireland that took them into first place on Saturday, it always looked likely that the holders would keep up the only perfect record remaining in the five European qualifying groups when Conny Pohlers struck in the first 60 seconds. Switzerland are yet to win in the group, having drawn with Scotland at the weekend, but responded well to conceding and looked to fight back with a committed physical performance.

Second-half dominance
Indeed, it was still only 1-0 at half-time in Schaffhausen - one of the recent venues for the UEFA European Women's Under-19 Championship, won by Germany. But the visitors upped the pace after the break and Birgit Prinz's 96th international goal made it 2-0 on 57 minutes. Petra Wimbersky and Renate Lingor added to the lead on 72 and 78 minutes, and late on Martina Müller and Kerstin Garefrekes completed the victory. Indeed, it could have been more as Germany struck the woodwork twice in the second period.

Decisive fixtures
Qualification could now be sealed by Germany on 23 September, should they pick up more points in Scotland than Russia do at home to Switzerland - who will need a draw to climb above the Republic of Ireland, having slipped into last place on goal difference with the sixth strike today. But as long as Germany remain three points clear of Russia, they would only then need to avoid a defeat heavier than 5-1 in Moscow four days later to ensure a berth in China next year.