Euro 2012 qualifiers wrap: Germany win again, Faroe Islands break drought

Germany all but secured qualification for Euro 2012 after beating Azerbaijan 3-1 on Tuesday, while Sweden and the Faroe Islands also won.

Goals from Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Oezil, Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez and Mainz forward Andre Schurrle sealed victory for Germany away at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium.

Russian-born centre-forward Murad Huseynov struck a consolation for the hosts in the 88th minute.

The wins sees Joachim Loew’s side move 10 points clear on top of Group A ahead of Belgium and Turkey.

In other matches, Sweden moved to within three points of Group E leaders the Netherlands after thrashing Finland 5-0.

AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted a hat-trick in the match at the Rasunda Stadium, with Lyon’s Kim Kallstrom and Twente winger Emir Bajrami also scoring.

Third-placed Hungary stay three points behind Sweden after they won 3-0 away to San Marino in their Group E encounter.

Zoltan Liptak, Vladimir Koman and Imre Szabics were on the scoresheet for the visitors at the Stadio Olimpico in Serravalle.

In Group D, a converted penalty from Zenit St Petersburg forward Sergey Kornilenko, together with Anton Putsilo’s goal, saw Belarus defeat Luxembourg 2-0 at home and close to within one point of leaders France.

Bosnia-Herzegovina, two points behind Belarus in third, kept pace with a 2-0 win at home to Albania, who finished with 10 men after Andi Lila recieved a straight red card three minutes from time.

Finally, the Faroe Islands recorded their first victory since September 2009, beating Estonia 2-0 in Toftir.

Frodi Benjaminsen put the hosts ahead with a penalty three minutes before half-time at the Svangaskard Stadium, before having another spot kick saved a minute into the second half.

Fortunately for the Faroe Islands, Arnbjorn Hansen was on hand to tuck away the rebound.

Estonia went down to 10 men when Sander Puri saw red on 56 minutes.

And both teams finished a man down after Pol Juspinusen was also given his marching orders a minute before the final whistle.