Lukas Podolski Runs The Show Against Kazakhstan.

The same side who rolled Turkey over in their last fixture did the business tonight against Kazakhstan. Joachim Loew’s Germany side take a significant edge in their quest to finish top of their qualification group after another strong three points tonight, and secure an early place in the European Championship of 2012.

While Kazakhstan provided little in terms of a stern challenge for the German national team, Joachim Loew’s men never let their guard down and won in very professional fashion. While the first-half remained all square, it didn’t take long after the break for Germany to turn their superior possession stats into goals. Mesut Ozil slipped a through-ball into Lukas Podolski, who then cut it back to Miroslav Klose to apply the finish on 48 minutes. That goal puts Klose just ten behind Gerd Mueller in terms of all-time German goalscorers. Unfortunately for Klose, he was withdrawn with an injury just before the hour mark. Mario Gomez was subbed onto the pitch in the veteran striker’s place, and made an instant impact. Mesut Ozil slid another slick pass through, and Mario Gomez was on hand to put it away.

Germany’s third goal was one of pure skill. Lukas Podolski went on one of his classic runs from the left-hand side and into the 18-yard box, and took five Kazakhstan players with him. After beating them all, he smashed the ball into the back of the net and made it three-nil. He certainly made a point of beating off any challengers for his place tonight.

While the scoreline suggests ease, Germany were carved open on a couple of occasions. If not for some shocking finishing, Kazakhstan could have gotten themselves on the scoresheet. Next month, Germany play Sweden in a friendly match, where Joachim Loew will be expected to pick some of Germany’s younger stars to give them a chance to shine at the highest level.