LEIPZIG: Germany secured a place at next year’s World Cup by crushing Slovakia 6-0 in their final qualifier, scoring four of their goals in the first half to send the Group A visitors into the playoffs in March.

Leroy Sane scored twice as the four-times world champions, who flopped in the group stage of the last two World Cups, finished top of their group on 15 points, with the Slovaks second on 12.

The Germans, needing a draw or a win to secure top spot, quickly established command as Nick Woltemade headed home in the 18th minute with his fourth consecutive goal in the last three matches for Germany.

Serge Gnabry then converted a Leon Goretzka assist before Wirtz delivered another assist for the winger to strike his second goal of the evening five minutes later.

The second half saw further goals from substitutes Ridle Baku and 19-year-old Assan Ouedraogo who thus became the youngest player to score for Germany on his debut.

The Germans are contesting the finals for the 21st time, second only to Brazil’s 23 appearances.

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