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.

There were again no goals for Germany's Mario Gomez - in his 14th game for the national side with a blank - although the Stuttgart striker's cross led to Williams putting into his own net under no pressure to seal the points.

Following Saturday's 4-0 defeat of Liechtenstein, the win leaves Germany well placed at the head of the group before matches against Azerbaijan in August and September and a visit to Russia in October.

Germany were soon in front when Ballack fired in a right-footer from 30 metres out after Wales were caught out by a throw-in they thought was theirs.

Wales responded well, with Robert Earnshaw foiled by Robert Enke in goal before a strong penalty appeal was turned down after Joe Ledley stumbled over Serdar Tasci, while at the other end Gomez fired narrowly wide and Lukas Podolski also had a good chance.

Gomez again worked hard and was rewarded minutes after the interval when he won the ball in a tussle with James Collins near the touchline. There seemed little danger to his low cross, but Williams stuck out a leg to put the ball past keeper Wayne Hennessey into his own net.

Wales battled hard to get back in the game, and Earnshaw saw another effort well saved by Enke.

But it was Germany who looked the more dangerous and Bastian Schweinsteiger twice had good efforts, while Gomez had a late chance with a shot over the bar.

Wales, who were beaten 2-0 by Finland at home on Saturday, are now all but out of contention, with just six points from six games. (dpa)