It proved more difficult than their opening match but Germany were no less impressive in their 3-0 win over Uzbekistan at the Under-20 World Cup.
Germany controlled their match against Uzbekistan in Christchurch tonight to confirm their passage to the second round ahead of their final group game against Honduras, who were surprisingly beaten by Fiji yesterday.
The Germans illustrated why they are considered favourites for the crown when they thrashed Fiji 8-1 earlier in the week and they again showcased their goal-scoring prowess last night.
Germany dominated proceedings throughout, enjoying two-thirds of possession and preventing Uzbekistan from managing a single shot on target.
The European champions took a deserved lead on the half hour when, after Hany Mukhtar had been tripped on the edge of the box, Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Marc Stendera curled in a delightful free-kick.
Skipper Kevin Akpoguma doubled the lead in the 59th minute with a clinical strike from the edge of the area. And Stendera added gloss to the scoreline five minutes from time, finishing a nice passing move to score his second.
Uzbekistan, who were beaten 4-3 in their opener against Honduras, still have a chance to progress to the second round. They would need to beat Fiji in their final group game and hope Germany beat Honduras, which would see three teams finish on three points.
- Kris Shannon