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12.10.12

Marco Reus scored two first-half goals and Germany poured in four more after the break to sweep aside Ireland 6-1 Friday in a World Cup qualifier.

The Borussia Dortmund winger put the visitors in control by scoring in the 32nd and 40th minutes to silence the crowd at Dublin's sold-out Aviva Stadium.

Germany then turned it into a rout in the second half, with Toni Kroos also scoring twice. Andy Keogh's injury-time header from a corner provided Ireland's lone score.

Ireland was without a half-dozen injured starters including striker Robbie Keane, and barely tested goalkeeper Manuel Neuer as it struggled for possession against the faster, better-organized Germans.

The lopsided loss heaped pressure on Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni, who has faced rising criticism following his squad's wretched performance at the European Championship this summer.

The win put Germany atop Group C with nine points from three matches. Ireland remained third.