Germany hit Republic of Ireland for six

Germany have continued their perfect start to their World Cup qualification campaign with a 6-1 win over Republic of Ireland on Friday.

The first half-chance of the match fell to Ireland inside four minutes, but Keith Andrews's effort drifted high and wide from just inside the box.

Germany followed with a chance of their own moments later, but Miroslav Klose could not head towards goal under pressure from John O'Shea.

The away side began to dominate possession as the half approached and Thomas Muller twice came close with headed efforts either side of the 20-minute mark.

Germany continued to pass and probe and Sami Khedira was next to come close just before the 30-minute mark, but his effort was blocked by O'Shea.

Germany did take the lead moments later, however, when Marco Reus pounced on a loose ball to fire an effort past Kieren Westwood.

Ireland continued to struggle for invention late in the opening period and Reus scored his second five minutes before the break after good work from Jerome Boateng.

It got worse for the home side 10 minutes into the second period when Bastian Schweinsteiger was felled by Darren O'Dea inside the box, allowing Mesut Ozil to convert his penalty into the corner.

Germany were not finished there and Klose made it four after 58 minutes when he converted from a tight angle to pile more misery on the home side. Meanwhile, it was five just past the hour mark when Toni Kroos finished from close range.

The home side continued to struggle late in the match, with an Andrews effort after 75 minutes sailing past the post from outside the box.

Germany continued to threaten in the latter stages and Kroos added their sixth with a cool finish five minutes from time. Meanwhile, Ireland grabbed a late consolation via Andrew Keogh to give their supporters something to cheer about.