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Andre Schurrle, Thomas Muller and Mario Gomez all scored in the first half to help Germany beat Azerbaijan 4-1 in a qualifier for the 2018 FIFA World Cup at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku on Sunday.
Schurrle added his second goal 10 minutes from time when Germany's players were being pushed back by a resolute home side. Ultimately, the scoreline didn't quite reflect how competitive the match was.
Germany led 3-1 at the break, but only after Azerbaijan had drawn level at 1-1 after Dimitrij Nazarov equalised Shurrle's opener. The World Cup holders predictably reasserted their dominance, but Azerbaijan deserved credit for competing well and always posing a threat on the break.