World Cup qualifying group nine leaders Germany beat Slovakia 2-0 in an international friendly today after second-half goals from Gerald Asamoah and Frank Baumann.
Germany, who started without a single player from European champions Bayern Munich, put in a lacklustre performance in the first half against Slovakia, who lead qualification group four ahead of Sweden and Turkey.
German coach Rudi Voeller reorganised his team in the second half and debutant Asamoah of Schalke 04, Germany's first black player, broke the deadlock in the 50th minute when he struck to leave Slovakia goalkeeper Miroslav Konig standing.
Local hero Frank Baumann of Werder Bremen made it 2-0 in the 56th minute when he headed in from a corner from Asamoah's Schalke team mate, Joerg Boehme, also making his German debut.
Germany, who lead group nine by five points from England, face World Cup qualifiers away to Finland and Albania on June 2nd and 6th respectively.
Reuters