Germany 2 - Azerbaijan 0

Germany 2 - Azerbaijan 0

Germany coach Joachim Low hailed a job well done after his side returned from Azerbaijan with three World Cup qualifying points thanks to a 2-0 win.

Germany struggled to break down the hosts for long stretches in Baku and also survived a couple of scares at the other end as their lack of fitness at the start of the season became apparent.

But Low shrugged off concerns about the performance afterwards and focused on the result.

"Our task was to get three points and we have done that," he said.

"Therefore, I am happy with this result."

Bastian Schweinsteiger gave the Euro 2008 runners-up the lead in the 12th minute and Miroslav Klose sealed the win at the same stage of the second half.

However, the Bayern Munich striker missed two gilt-edged chances to help make it a more convincing victory and settle Germany's nerves.

"If Miroslav Klose had taken that chance to make it 2-0 before half time, it would have probably been a far more relaxed evening," added Low.

"I told the team at half-time that we needed to get a quick second goal, but I was not happy with what happened after the second goal.

"We lost possession too often and lost our rhythm.

"The mental preparation and our attitude was right, but we lacked harmony.

"The players are at an early stage of the season and most of them have only played one game so obviously they are not performing at 100 per cent of their ability. Nobody is in top condition, that would be a miracle."

The win lifts Germany four points clear of Russia at the top of Group Four, albeit having played one game more, and the stage is now set for a qualification decider in Russia in October.

"I expect Russia to win in Azerbaijan," added Low on the website of the German Football Association.

"I don't expect anything to have been decided before our group game in Russia, but my gut feeling tells me that the final game after that could also be important."

If Germany win all three of their remaining games, they will qualify for the 2010 World Cup as group winners, but just one slip-up could allow Russia in.

Germany host Finland on the final day of qualifying matches with Russia heading to Azerbaijan after hosting Liechtenstein, travelling to Wales and staging the crucial tie with Germany.