World Cup in sight as Germany see off Austria

Germany remain five points clear in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group C thanks to a comfortable victory against Austria in Munich on a night when Philipp Lahm collected his 100th international cap.

The home team's unbeaten record in qualifying rarely looked under threat after Miroslav Klose scored his 68th international goal to equal Gerd Müller's haul just after the half-hour. Toni Kroos extended Germany's lead six minutes into the second half and FC Bayern München team-mate Thomas Müller completed a fine display late on.

Austria goalkeeper Robert Almer was the star of the show in the opening exchanges, expertly denying Marco Reus before scurrying backwards to clear Klose's header off the line. However, he was helpless to prevent the SS Lazio forward turning in Müller's pinpoint centre shortly after. Marcel Koller's men responded with intent, David Alaba and Aleksandar Dragovic both forcing Manuel Neuer into action.

Andreas Weimann misfired in front of goal at the start of the second half, yet Austria's momentum was punctured when Kroos's rasping 25-metre drive found the top corner of their net. Germany proceeded to dominate and broke through their visitors' defence again when Müller finished off a sweeping team move. Joachim Löw's team can book their place at next summer's World Cup if they beat the Faroe Islands on Tuesday and Sweden fail to overcome Kazakhstan.