Loule (Portugal), June 14 (IANS): Gibraltar proved they could go toe-to-toe with Germany in the first half but in the end, the world champions scored six after the break to comfortably secure a 7-0 win in a Euro 2016 Group D qualifying match.

Germany were given a golden chance to take the lead in the tenth minute after Jake Gosling brought down Jonas Hector in the box, but Jordan Perez guessed correctly to save Bastian Schweinsteiger's penalty. The Gibraltar goalkeeper was in inspired form while at the other end Aaron Payas's free-kick was stopped by Roman Weidenfeller and Liam Walker's long-range effort flew narrowly wide.

Having held out for 28 minutes, their longest resistance yet in the group, Gibraltar conceded when André Schürrle capitalised on a mistake by Ryan Casciaro and proceeded to slot underneath the advancing Perez. This did not discourage Gibraltar, because minutes later a Joseph Chipolina cross was met by Gosling at the far post but he somehow only managed to find the hands of Weidenfeller from close range.

The visitors were still looking for a second yet Mesut Ozil, Patrick Herrmann and Hector were all frustrated by Perez. However, two goals early in the second period eased any German nerves as Max Kruse - who had replaced Mario Gotze - tapped in after a cutback from Ozil and Ilkay Gündogan placed a shot past Perez.

It was four when Perez palmed the ball to Ozil, who set up Karim Bellarabi for his first Germany strike. Jean Carlos Garcia, Lee Casciaro and Walker all tested Weidenfeller but Schurrle soon scored two more for his hat-trick, the VfL Wolfsburg ace following up on the rebound after Perez's super stop from Gundogan, then profiting from another piece of fine work by Ozil for another simple finish. Kruse completed the rout when he pounced on a loose ball towards the end.

With leaders Poland also winning today, second-placed Germany remain a point behind in the run-up to their September showdown. They are also two in front of Scotland, held 1-1 in the Republic of Ireland.