The home side took the lead after just 10 minutes when Jan Durica put through his own goal.

Another own goal, this time from Germany's Christoph Metzelder, allowed Slovakia to draw level 10 minutes later, but after Thomas Hitzlsperger put the hosts ahead two minutes before the break the result was rarely in any doubt.

Germany's superiority in every department shone through and they were celebrating another three points which keeps them clear of Czech Republic at the top of Group D.

Much of the build-up to the game had focused on Werder Bremen striker Miroslav Klose and an alleged spat with his club-mate and Germany colleague Torsten Frings.

Coach Joachim Low gave the under-fire striker his full backing and pledged to support him, despite a dip in form since the turn of the year.

And Klose almost repaid that faith with a goal in the 10th minute. Although he did not get the final touch, it was his physical presence and determination which forced Durica to put the ball into his own net.

Germany continued to press and looked the more likely to score the second goal.

That is precisely what happened, although it was an own goal from Christoph Metzelder which brought the visitors level.

The Dortmund defender left goalkeeper Jens Lehmann no chance with a strike many forwards would be proud of as he actually attempted to clear the danger, only to find the corner of his own goal.

Despite the setback, the home side continued to look the brighter.

Bernd Schneider came close to grabbing a second before Hitzlsperger obliged just before the interval.

The Stuttgart midfielder headed in Philipp Lahm's cross from the wing to give Germany the half-time advantage.

And it was a lead they kept until the end, defending resolutely and looking for an opportunity to kill Slovakia off.

They had an appeal for a penalty when Mario Gomez fell inside the area under the challenge of Matej Krajcik, but the referee waved play on.

Slovakia lacked the ideas to find a second equaliser, and Germany held on for three important points, which take them even closer to a place in Euro 2008.