Muller brace inspires impressive Germany win

Hamburg - Thomas Muller netted twice as Germany eased to an impressive 3-0 home win over the Czech Republic to remain top of its World Cup qualifying group on Saturday.

It leaves Germany with a perfect six points ahead of Tuesday's next qualifier, home to Northern Ireland.

After Muller gave Germany an early lead, Toni Kroos weighed in with a crisp strike just after the break in Hamburg.

Muller then hit Germany's third with the best goal of the game midway through the second half to cap a very polished display from the reigning world champion.

Germany stays top of Group C on goal difference from surprise-package Azerbaijan on the road to Russia 2018.

Centre-backs Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng were outstanding in shutting down the Czech attack and putting in damaging long-range passes.

With his only out-and-out striker, Mario Gomez, injured, Germany coach Joachim Low opted to play Mario Gotze as his lone striker, in front of attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil with Julian Draxler and Muller on the wings.

The Czech Republic dealt Low the heaviest home defeat of his 10-year tenure with a 3-0 result in October 2007 in a Euro qualifier.

But with veteran midfielder Tomas Rosicky injured and goalkeeper Petr Cech now retired, Czech shot-stopper Tomas Vaclik had a busy night as Germany steamrolled to victory.