Germany ease past Kazakhstan

Germany have strengthened their grip at the top of Group C in World Cup qualifying with a 3-0 win in Kazakhstan.

The visitors took the lead in the 20th minute when Bastian Schweinsteiger's volley deflected off Thomas Muller and into the net.

Their advantage was doubled almost instantly as Mario Gotze tapped the ball into an empty net after some confusion in the Kazakh penalty area.

The hosts nearly pulled a goal back in the 69th minute, but Ulan Konysbaev's powerful long-range effort rattled the crossbar.

However, the result was put beyond doubt with 15 minutes left on the clock when Muller was found by Mesut Ozil before calmly converting into the bottom corner.