Cardiff, Wales  - Germany stayed well on course for qualification for the World Cup next year with a 2-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Michael Ballack blasted an opening goal for Germany in the 11th minute and Wales defender Ashley Williams diverted the ball into his net three minutes after the break.

It completed the double over Wales in Group 4 after a 1-0 home win and kept Joachim Loew's side four points clear of Russia who were 1-0 winners in Liechtenstein on the night.

Germany had beaten Liechtenstein 4-0 in Leipzig on Saturday.

Cardiff, Wales  - Germany stayed well on course for qualification for the World Cup next year with a 2-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff on Wednesday.

Michael Ballack blasted an opening goal for Germany in the 11th minute and Wales defender Ashley Williams diverted the ball into his net three minutes after the break.

It completed the double over Wales in Group 4 and kept Joachim Loew's side four points clear of Russia who were 1-0 winners in Liechtenstein on the night.

Cardiff, Wales - Marcell Jansen was sidelined with a flu for Germany's World Cup qualifier with Wales set for later Wednesday, with SV Hamburg team-mate Piotr Trochowski expected to take his place in midfield.

Jansen returned to Germany after team doctors determined that he was unable to play. Jansen played and scored in Germany's 4-0 against Liechtenstein on Saturday, a match that Trochowski missed due to injury.

Cardiff, Wales - Beleaguered Mario Gomez will not be measured by goals alone but his overall performance in the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Wales, Germany coach Joachim Loew said on Tuesday.

Loew said he will field the VfB Stuttgart striker again in Wednesday's match at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Gomez has not scored in 643 minutes and was jeered by the fans in Saturday's 4-0 win against Liechtenstein.

"I will judge him on determination and fighting spirit, not on goals alone," Loew said.

Cardiff, Wales - Germany coach Joachim Loew will keep faith with luckless striker Mario Gomez against a Wales side he believes will have to attack in a Group 4 World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

The fact that Wales were beaten 2-0 at home by Finland on Saturday means John Toshack's side will have to go for victory in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Loew believes.

That could give the German side more room up front - and might help Gomez in his search for a goal - as they seek the three points which will put them even closer to World Cup qualification.