Germany booked their place in the 2014 World Cup as group winners with a comfortable 3-0 win over Ireland in Cologne.

The hosts were restricted to shots from distance in the first half and went ahead when Sami Khedira's strike was fortuitously deflected in.

In the second half the game opened up and Germany scored two fine goals, first through Andre Schurrle's neat turn and finish and then Mesut Ozil's chipped effort over David Forde.

Here, Sports Mole analyses the game to see if the points went the correct way.

Match statistics:

Germany:
Shots 20
On target 11
Possession 63%
Corners 16
Fouls 5

Ireland:
Shots 11
On target 6
Possession 37%
Corners 4
Fouls 11

Was the result fair?

Absolutely. It was a typical Germany win. They had so much of the ball that chances were bound to arrive and they looked like scoring from every attack. There were a few nervy moments from the hosts at the back, during which Ireland could well have scored, but on balance anything other than a home win would not have been right.

Germany's performance

They were determined to break through the wall that Ireland put up and did so through typical patient probing combined with shots from the edge of the box. Khedira was perhaps fortunate with his opener, but in the second half Germany carved their opponents open and but for Forde in goal it could have been more.

Ireland's performance

They did as well as could be expected against one of the big favourites for the tournament next year. Their performance in the first half in particular will be pleasing for them, as they restricted Germany largely to shots from range. Up front they rarely threatened but did worry Germany on one or two occasions. They perhaps deserved a goal but cannot complain about the final result.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Sami Khedira: Sometimes Khedira gets on with his job quietly and his work can go unnoticed, but he completely controlled the midfield against Ireland. He was the furthest man forward for the opening goal and his defensive display was summed up by a brilliant tackle on Anthony Stokes as the striker raced clear. In short, he was rock-solid and key to the win.

Biggest gaffe

In a game of few mistakes, this award is harsh, but it must go to Manuel Neuer. He is one of the best goalkeepers in world football, but has a tendency for the bizarre on occasion. He raced well out of his box to a hoof forward but completely sliced his kick to allow Stokes a shot at an open goal. It was a very hard chance and he got away with it, but it was very risky play.

Referee performance

Serge Gumienny had a fine game. In fact, he was hardly noticed the entire game, which is a compliment for a referee. There were not too many calls to make except for a potential penalty claim by Khedira in the second half, but no penalty was the right call. Both bookings he handed out were fair and he kept things well under control.

What next?

Germany: Tonight's hosts travel to Sweden next week for a game that now does not matter. Germany have won the group so Joachim Low might look to play some fringe players in his squad.

Ireland: Ireland host Kazakhstan in their final qualifier, in a game that they might well learn more from than this one against Germany. Either way they are out of the World Cup so the regrouping starts here, whoever the new manager will be.

Written by
Matt Domm