Mesut Oezil of Germany celebrates after scoring his teams third goal during the FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifying Group C match between Germany and Republic of Ireland at RheinEnergieStadion on October 11, 2013 (Photo: AP)
Triple former champions Germany secured a place at next year's World Cup in Brazil with a game to spare in Group C qualifying after sweeping Ireland aside 3-0 on Friday.
Sami Khedira's deflected shot gave the hosts a 12th-minute lead and Andre Schuerrle made it 2-0 in the second half following a fine turn.
Mesut Ozil then made sure of victory with the third goal in stoppage time.
Despite having more than half a dozen injury absentees, Germany were always in control with midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger back in the side after a six-month break to earn his 99th cap.
Germany have 25 points from nine games and an unassailable lead at the top of the group before they face second-placed Sweden in Stockholm on Tuesday.
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