Germany cruised to a comfortable home victory over Liechtenstein to remain four points clear at the top of World Cup Qualifying Group Four.

Captain Michael Ballack opened the scoring in the fourth minute and Daniel Jansen made it 2-0 after just nine minutes in Leipzig's Zentralstadion.

The Euro 2008 runners-up needed until the 48th minute to make it three through Bastian Schweinsteiger, but then quickly added a fourth two minutes later courtesy of Lukas Podolski.

Joachim Low's team dominated the rest of the contest but were unable to convert a number of chances to extend their lead.

The victory sees Germany move onto 13 points from five matches, four points clear of second-placed Russia.

Guus Hiddink's side have nine points from four games after a 2-0 victory over Azerbaijan in Moscow earlier today, while Finland - 2-0 winners in Wales today - are third with seven points after four qualifiers.

Liechtenstein - ranked 151st in the world - stay last in the pool with just one point from four matches.

Germany came into the game with much criticism ringing in their ears after losing their last two friendlies against England and Norway.

But the hosts made sure straight away that the football minnows did not get any ideas of an upset with Ballack's 40th goal for his country coming after just four minutes.

Schweinsteiger chipped a ball back to the edge of the area where the Chelsea midfielder unleashed a fierce volley for the opening goal.

Jansen made it 2-0 just five minutes later, pouncing on a loose ball to the left of goal as Liechtenstein goalkeeper Peter Jehle could not hold Podolski's left-footed shot from outside the area.

The home fans grew restless as their team were unable to strike again in the first half though Jansen's header hit the crossbar in the 40th minute.

The Leipzig crowd did not have to wait long to see the net bulging after the restart, however, as Schweinsteiger hit into an empty net after Jehle stopped Podolski's shot in the 48th minute.

Podolski finally scored his goal two minutes later, beating Jehle after a cross from Mario Gomez from the left was deflected into his path.

Liechtenstein finally had their first shot on goal in the 54th minute but Germany goalkeeper Robert Enke had no problems with Mario Frick's long-range attempt.

The Germans pushed forward looking for more goals and had a number of chances to make it five.

But Jehle made two fine saves from Podolski, and Gomez's frustration with the national team continued.

The fans evened booed the Stuttgart striker, who has now failed to score in 13 appearances for his country over the space of a year, although he will count himself unlucky after seeing his shot strike the right-hand upright with five minutes left.

Teams

Germany Enke, Beck, Mertesacker, Tasci, Lahm,Schweinsteiger (Rolfes 88), Ballack, Hitzlsperger (Marin 78),Jansen (Helmes 63), Gomez, Podolski.

Subs Not Used: Wiese, Westermann, Schafer, Kiessling.

Booked: Tasci.

Goals: Ballack 4, Jansen 8, Schweinsteiger 48, Podolski 50.

Liechtenstein Jehle, Vogt, Martin Stocklasa,Michael Stocklasa, Oehri, Ritzberger, Ronny Buchel, Gerster,Rohrer, Frick, Thomas Beck (Roger Beck 74).

Subs Not Used: Benjamin Buchel, Biedermann, Stefan Buchel,

Fischer.

Booked: Rohrer, Thomas Beck, Frick.

Att: 43,368

Ref: Igor Ishchenko (Ukraine).